Conceivably
/kənˈsiːvəbli/
adverbB2
Definition
Conceivably is used to say that something can be thought of as possible or able to happen. It shows that an idea or event is not impossible, but it might not be sure or common. People use it when they want to consider a possibility carefully.
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⚡ See It in Action
Used to say something is possible to imagine or happen
- •Conceivably, we could finish the project by next week if everyone works hard.
- •It is conceivably true that the new plan will improve sales.
- •Conceivably, she might arrive early, but we don’t know for sure.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "conceivably" like "maybe," but it sounds more formal and careful when talking about what could happen.
- ✓Picture opening a door in your mind to a new idea—it’s not certain, but you can see it might be true.
- ✓It's the feeling when you say, "I can imagine that," even if you are not sure it will happen.
- ✓Sounds like "can SEE-vuh-blee" → imagine being able to "see" (understand) a possibility clearly in your mind.
- ✓Think of stories where characters say, "It could happen," to explain ideas that are possible but not guaranteed.
- ✓NOT like "definitely" (sure to happen), "conceivably" means it might happen but we are not sure.
- ✓NOT like "impossible," which means it cannot happen at all.
- ✓NOT like "probably," which means it is more likely than not; "conceivably" only means it is possible.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Possibly: meaning something can happen or be true (Use when you want a direct and common word for possibility)
- •Potentially: meaning something has the ability to happen (Use when focusing on ability or chance)
- •Perhaps: meaning maybe or possibly (Use in less formal speech or writing)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "conceive" (to imagine or think of) + "-ably" (adverb suffix meaning "in a way that can be")
- •Etymology: From Latin "concipere," meaning to take in or imagine, combined with English adverb ending
- •Historical development: The verb "conceive" has been used for centuries; "conceivably" developed to describe how ideas can be imagined or possibilities considered
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or written English to talk about what could happen or be true, but with some doubt
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How does saying "conceivably" instead of "maybe" change the tone of a sentence?
•Can you think of a situation where it is important to say something is conceivably true rather than definitely true?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.It is conceivably ___ that the weather will improve by tomorrow, but we should prepare for rain.
2.She said the problem could conceivably ___ if we work together carefully.
3.Unlike "definitely," conceivably means the event might happen but it is not ___.
4.When discussing future plans, people use conceivably to show they are not ___ sure.
5.The idea is conceivably interesting, but we need more information to ___ it.
6.Conceivably, the new technology could ___ many jobs in the next decade.
7.He spoke carefully, saying conceivably to avoid making a ___ promise.