possibility
UK [ˌpɒs.ə'bɪl.ɪ.ti] US [ˌpɑ:.sə'bɪl.ə.tˌi] noun
ESSENTIAL countable or uncountable
■a chance that something may happen or be true 可能（性）•It's not likely to happen but I wouldn't rule out the possibility.这件事不太可能发生，但我不会排除有这种可能性。 •The forecast said that there's a possibility of snow tonight.天气预报说今晚可能会下雪。 •[+ (that)] There's a distinct possibility (that) I'll be asked to give a speech.我很有可能被邀请去作演讲。 •Is there any possibility (that) you could pick me up from the station?你有可能去车站接我吗？ Opposite impossibility
ESSENTIAL countable
■something that you can choose to do in a particular situation 可选择的方法；可能的情况•We could take on extra staff - that's one possibility.我们可以再招一些人——这是一种选择。 •"Have you decided what to do?" "No, I'm still considering the various possibilities."“你决定怎么做了吗？”“没有，我还在考虑各种可能的情况。”
UK [ˌpɒs.ə'bɪl.ɪ.ti] US [ˌpɑ:.sə'bɪl.ə.tˌi] noun
Common Learner Errors possibility or opportunity?Warning: Choose the right word!To talk about an occasion or situation which makes it possible to do something, don't say 'possibility', say opportunity :
✗ Thank you for giving me the possibility to attend this course.
UK [ˌpɒs.ə'bɪl.ɪ.ti] US [ˌpɑ:.sə'bɪl.ə.tˌi] noun
Common Learner Errors possibilityWhen possibility is followed by a verb, that verb cannot be in the infinitive with 'to'.Do not say 'possibility to do something', say possibility of doing something :
✗ There is no possibility to find a job in this town.There is no possibility of finding a job in this town. |