WordGarden.ioconceivable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kənsˈiːvəbəl/
US
- /kənˈsivəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be imagined or considered possible
Beyond the definition
Something "conceivable" is something you can imagine happening or existing—it's within the realm of possibility. If your friend suggests flying to Mars for a vacation, it's wildly impractical, but it is technically conceivable with enough technology and money. However, if they suggest breathing underwater like a fish without any equipment, that's not conceivable for a human!
The word hints at the ability to "conceive" an idea in your mind—to form a mental picture of it. It doesn't necessarily mean an event is likely or probable, just that it could happen. A detective might explore every conceivable motive when solving a crime, even the far-fetched ones. You will often see it used with "hardly" or "barely," as in: "It was hardly conceivable that she would win."
"Conceivable" describes something that is capable of being imagined or understood; it is possible, though not necessarily probable. The term comes from the Latin word concipere, meaning "to take in" or "to take into the womb," which evolved over time to mean "to conceive" an idea—to form it in your mind.
While something conceivable isn't guaranteed to happen, it doesn't seem to violate known laws of nature or logic. For example, a self-driving car is now conceivable thanks to advancements in technology, even if it wasn't considered so decades ago. However, time travel to the past remains largely inconceivable based on our current understanding of physics.
You'll often encounter "conceivable" when discussing possibilities, plans, or explanations. A lawyer might argue that a certain defense is "not conceivable" given the evidence. A scientist might explore all conceivable scenarios before drawing conclusions from an experiment. It is also frequently used in its negative form—"inconceivable"—to emphasize that something is completely impossible or beyond belief. ("It's inconceivable that he would betray his friends.")
The nuance of "conceivable" lies between being "possible" and "probable." Something can be conceivable but highly unlikely. When you hear the word, think about whether an idea sits within the bounds of imagination and logical possibility—even if it seems a bit far-fetched!
Examples
- 1
Possible explanation
It’s conceivable that they simply forgot to send the email.
- 2
Future technology
Ten years ago, a car that drives itself hardly seemed conceivable.
- 3
Decision making
We considered every conceivable option before we decided to close the store.
- Patternevery conceivable + noun
every possible noun
- 4
Evidence
Given the evidence, the only conceivable explanation is that the numbers were changed.
- Patternthe only conceivable + noun
the only noun that seems possible
See also
Similar
- possible
- imaginable
- thinkable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- it is conceivable that
- every conceivable
- no conceivable reason
- under any conceivable circumstances
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- conceivableadjective