possibility
Meaning
something that might happen or be true
the fact that something might happen or be true; the degree to which something is likely to happen
Structure
Usage
there is a strong possibility that it will rain tomorrow.
we need to consider all possibilities before making a decision.
the new technology opens up exciting possibilities for communication.
Etymology
the word 'possibility' entered english in the late 14th century from old french 'possibilite', which itself derived from latin 'possibilitas'. this latin noun was formed from the adjective 'possibilis', meaning 'that can be done'. 'possibilis' is built from the verb 'posse' ('to be able'), a contraction of 'potis' ('able, capable') and 'esse' ('to be'). the suffix '-ibilitas' is a variant of '-abilitas', which forms abstract nouns expressing a state or capacity. thus, the literal construction 'state of being able' evolved into the modern abstract concept of something that can happen or exist.
Analysis
poss originates from latin 'posse' meaning 'to be able'. ibility is a noun-forming suffix from latin '-ibilitas', indicating a state, condition, or quality.