Conceivable

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Conceivable (adjective) = possible to imagine or believe; able to be thought of or understood as potentially happening or existing.

When something is conceivable, it means you can mentally picture it or accept it as possible, even if it’s unlikely, difficult, or hasn’t happened yet. The word lives in the space between imagination and possibility — if something is conceivable, your mind can grasp it as a potential reality, even if you’re skeptical.

“Conceivable” is often used to discuss boundaries of possibility. When people say “it’s conceivable that…”, they’re acknowledging something could happen, even if they don’t think it will. It’s softer than “likely” or “probable” but stronger than “impossible.” The word signals openness to possibility without commitment.

Interestingly, the word appears frequently in negative forms: “inconceivable” (impossible to imagine) and “every conceivable” (all possible types). When someone says “we tried every conceivable solution,” they mean they exhausted all imaginable options. When something is “barely conceivable,” it’s at the edge of possibility — you can imagine it, but just barely.

The word carries a thoughtful, analytical tone. It’s more formal than “possible” and suggests you’ve considered the options. In debates, negotiations, or planning, “conceivable” helps people explore scenarios without committing to predictions. It keeps doors open while acknowledging uncertainty.

Examples from the street:

• “It’s conceivable that they’ll change their minds, but I doubt it” → I can imagine it happening, but I don’t expect it to
• “We’ve thought of every conceivable problem that could arise” → we’ve imagined all possible difficulties and prepared for them
• “Five years ago, this technology was barely conceivable” → people could hardly imagine it existed; it was at the edge of possibility

2. Most Common Patterns

• it’s conceivable (that) → the standard way to express possibility
• every conceivable + noun → all possible types or examples
• barely conceivable → just barely imaginable; at the edge of possibility
• perfectly/entirely conceivable → quite easy to imagine or accept as possible
• hardly conceivable → very difficult to imagine, nearly impossible
• conceivable + noun → outcome, scenario, explanation, reason

3. Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms directly containing “conceivable” — these are related expressions:

• within the realm of possibility → something that could potentially happen, even if unlikely

  Example: “Winning the championship is within the realm of possibility, though it’s conceivable only if everything goes perfectly.”

• stretch of the imagination → something difficult to believe or imagine (often used negatively)

  Example: “It’s not a stretch of the imagination — it’s perfectly conceivable that prices will rise.”

4. Example Sentences

1. It’s conceivable that the project could finish early if we hire more staff

   → I can imagine completion happening ahead of schedule, though I’m not predicting it will.

2. The team prepared for every conceivable scenario before the launch

   → They thought through all possible situations and planned responses for each one.

3. Ten years ago, electric cars outselling petrol vehicles was barely conceivable

   → People could hardly imagine that possibility; it seemed at the very edge of what might happen.

4. It’s perfectly conceivable that she’ll win the election with those poll numbers

   → It’s quite easy to imagine her winning; the possibility is clear and reasonable.

5. The software checks for every conceivable error before processing payments

   → The program looks for all possible mistakes that could occur.

6. It’s hardly conceivable that they’d abandon such a profitable business

   → It’s very difficult to imagine them walking away from something making so much money.

7. We’ve explored every conceivable option for reducing costs

   → We’ve examined all possible methods for cutting expenses; we’ve thought of everything imaginable.

8. It’s conceivable that temperatures could reach record highs this summer

   → I can imagine that possibility happening, even if it’s uncertain.

9. The museum displays every conceivable type of ancient pottery

   → The collection includes all possible varieties and styles you could think of.

10. A century ago, instant global communication was barely conceivable

    → People in the past could hardly imagine being able to talk to anyone worldwide immediately.

5. Personal Examples

1. It’s conceivable that students could master advanced grammar in six months with intensive practice

   → I can imagine learners achieving that level if they work extremely hard, though it’s challenging.

2. Good teachers prepare answers to every conceivable question students might ask

   → Effective educators think through all possible questions learners could raise and ready responses.

6. Register: Formal/Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

• “Conceivable” is more formal than “possible” — use it in analytical or thoughtful contexts
• “It’s conceivable that…” is a sophisticated way to acknowledge possibility without commitment
• “Every conceivable” is a powerful phrase meaning “absolutely all possible types”
• The negative form “inconceivable” is dramatic and means “impossible to imagine”

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Possible → simpler and more common; conceivable adds thoughtfulness and formality
• Imaginable → very similar; conceivable emphasizes believability more than pure imagination
• Plausible → suggests something is not just conceivable but actually believable and reasonable