Possible vs. Actual
Difference Between Possible and Actual
Possibleadjective
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.Actualadjective
relating to a person's acts or deeds; active, practical
Possibleadjective
(comparable) Capable of being done or achieved; feasible.
It's possible for anyone to learn to pay the bagpipes.Actualadjective
Existing in reality, not just potentially; really acted or acting; occurring in fact.
the actual cost of goods;the actual case under discussionThe actual government expenses dramatically exceed the budget.Possibleadjective
Being considered, e.g. for a position.
Jones and Smith are both possible for the opening in sales.Actualadjective
in action at the time being; now existing; current
Possibleadjective
Apparently valid, likely, plausible.
Actualadjective
Used as intensifier to emphasise a following noun; exact, very.
Possiblenoun
A possible one.
Actualnoun
an actual, real one; notably:
Possiblenoun
A possible choice, notably someone being considered for a position.
Jones is a possible for the new opening in sales.Actualnoun
(finance) something actually received; real receipts, as distinct from estimated ones.
Possiblenoun
(rare) A particular event that may happen.
Actualnoun
(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.")Possiblenoun
something that can be done;
politics is the art of the possibleActualadjective
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible;
the predicted temperature and the actual temperature were markedly differentactual and imagined conditionsPossiblenoun
an applicant who might be suitable
Actualadjective
taking place in reality; not pretended or imitated;
we saw the actual wedding on televisionfilmed the actual beatingPossibleadjective
capable of happening or existing;
a breakthrough may be possible next yearanything is possiblewarned of possible consequencesActualadjective
being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something;
her actual motivea literal solitude like a deserta genuine dilemmaPossibleadjective
existing in possibility;
a potential problempossible uses of nuclear powerActualadjective
of the nature of fact; having actual existence;
rocks and trees...the actual worldactual heroismthe actual things that produced the emotion you experiencedPossibleadjective
possible to conceive or imagine;
that is one possible answerActualadjective
existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not;
de facto segregation is as real as segration imposed by lawa de facto state of warActualadjective
being or existing at the present moment;
the ship's actual position is 22 miles due south of Key West
