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Possible vs. Actual

Possible and Actual Definitions

Possible

Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances
Is it possible to move faster than the speed of light?.

Actual

Relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical

Possible

Capable of becoming or of being made to be so; potential
Possible suspects in the case.
A possible site for the new capital.

Actual

Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
The actual cost of goods;
The actual case under discussion
The actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget.

Possible

Capable of occurring or being done in accordance with something specified. Used with the superlative
You'll get the best possible care at this hospital.

Actual

In action at the time being; now existing; current.
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Possible

Capable of happening but of uncertain likelihood
It is possible that you might feel some discomfort after the procedure.

Actual

Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, specific, very.

Possible

Permissible
Is it possible to enter the gallery at this hour?.

Actual

An actual, real one; notably:

Possible

Able but not certain to happen; neither inevitable nor impossible.
Rain tomorrow is possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.
It's not just possible, it's probable that there will be rain tomorrow.

Actual

(finance) something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones.
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Possible

(comparable) Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
It's possible for anyone to learn to pay the bagpipes.

Actual

(military) a radio callsign modifier that specifies the commanding officer of the unit or asset denoted by the remainder of the callsign and not the officer's assistant or other designee.
Bravo Six Actual, this is Charlie One. Come in, over. (The radio operator is requesting to speak to the commander of the unit under the call sign "Bravo Six", as opposed to any available member of the unit.)

Possible

Being considered, e.g. for a position.
Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.

Actual

(uncountable) Reality, usually with the definite article.

Possible

Apparently valid, likely, plausible.

Actual

Involving or comprising action; active.
Her walking and other actual performances.
Let your holy and pious intention be actual; that is . . . by a special prayer or action, . . . given to God.
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Possible

A possible one.

Actual

Existing in act or reality; really acted or acting; in fact; real; - opposed to potential, possible, virtual, speculative, conceivable, theoretical, or nominal; as, the actual cost of goods; the actual case under discussion.

Possible

A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.

Actual

In action at the time being; now exiting; present; as the actual situation of the country.

Possible

(rare) A particular event that may happen.

Actual

Something actually received; real, as distinct from estimated, receipts.
The accounts of revenues supplied . . . were not real receipts: not, in financial language, "actuals," but only Egyptian budget estimates.

Possible

Capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived or thought of; able to happen; capable of being done; not contrary to the nature of things; - sometimes used to express extreme improbability; barely able to be, or to come to pass; as, possibly he is honest, as it is possible that Judas meant no wrong.
With God all things are possible.

Actual

Presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible;
The predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly different
Actual and imagined conditions

Possible

Something that can be done;
Politics is the art of the possible

Actual

Taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated;
We saw the actual wedding on television
Filmed the actual beating

Possible

An applicant who might be suitable

Actual

Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;
Her actual motive
A literal solitude like a desert
A genuine dilemma

Possible

Capable of happening or existing;
A breakthrough may be possible next year
Anything is possible
Warned of possible consequences

Actual

Of the nature of fact; having actual existence;
Rocks and trees...the actual world
Actual heroism
The actual things that produced the emotion you experienced

Possible

Existing in possibility;
A potential problem
Possible uses of nuclear power

Actual

Existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not;
De facto segregation is as real as segration imposed by law
A de facto state of war

Possible

Possible to conceive or imagine;
That is one possible answer

Actual

Being or existing at the present moment;
The ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West

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