possible

The word "possible" entered English in the 14th century from Old French possible, which itself derives from Latin possibilis (that can be done). Possibilis is formed from the verb posse (to be able), a contraction of potis (able, powerful) and esse (to be). The Proto-Indo-European root poti- underlies potis, carrying the sense of "powerful, lord". Thus, the literal meaning "able to be" evolved from this ancient concept of power and capacity. Over time, the meaning broadened from describing something within one's power to do, to encompass anything that can exist or occur, capturing the concept of potentiality in the modern sense.

Structure: poss (to be able) + ible (adjective suffix) - poss: From Latin posse (to be able), from potis (able) + esse (to be). Functions as the core root conveying ability or power. - ible: From Latin -ibilis, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "capable of, fit for, tending to". It indicates a passive quality of being able to undergo the action of the root.