possibly

7 definitions • 9 examples

used when something is not certain:

He may possibly decide not to come, in which case there's no problem.

used to agree or disagree when some doubt is involved:

"Do you think this skirt might be too small for her?" "(Very) possibly - she has put on a some weight."

"Will he come?" "Possibly not."

used with "can" or "could" for emphasis:

He can't possibly have drunk all that on his own!

We did all that we possibly could to persuade her to come.

used in polite requests:

Could I possibly ask you to move your chair a little?

used when politely refusing offers:

"Have another chocolate." "No, really, I couldn't possibly."

so as to do or achieve something:

He can’t possibly mean what he says.

with a likelihood that might or might not be true; perhaps:

"Do you think this skirt might be too small for her?" "Possibly, she has put on weight."