A small, simple figure stands on a green hill, looking down a winding dirt path that leads toward a tiny, colorful house in the distance. The house is partially obscured by a light, hopeful mist, symbolizing an uncertain but possible outcome.

posiblemente

po-si-ble-MEN-te

adverbB2

possibly?expressing likelihood,perhaps?expressing doubt

Also:maybe?informal substitute

📝 In Action

Posiblemente no tengamos suficiente tiempo para terminar el proyecto hoy.

We possibly won't have enough time to finish the project today.

Ella es posiblemente la mejor candidata para el puesto.

She is possibly the best candidate for the position.

Si llueve, posiblemente la reunión se cancele.

If it rains, the meeting will possibly be canceled.

Word Connections

Synonyms

quizás (perhaps, maybe)
tal vez (maybe)
probablemente (probably)

Antonyms

definitivamente (definitely)

Common Collocations

posiblemente sea – it possibly is (subjunctive)
lo más posiblemente – most possibly

💡 Grammar Points

Adverbial Suffix -mente

Like many English adverbs that end in '-ly' (e.g., 'quickLY'), 'posiblemente' is formed by adding the suffix '-mente' to the feminine form of the adjective 'posible'.

Triggering the Special Verb Form (Subjunctive)

When 'posiblemente' introduces a statement of probability about a future or uncertain event, it often requires the following verb to be in the special form (the subjunctive). Example: 'Posiblemente venga' (He possibly comes), not 'Posiblemente viene'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: "Posiblemente *está* lloviendo mañana. (Incorrect use of the normal verb form.)"

Correction: Posiblemente *esté* lloviendo mañana. (The special verb form is needed because the statement is uncertain and refers to the future.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Sentence Position

'Posiblemente' can usually start the sentence or be placed right before the main verb, giving you flexibility in how you phrase your doubt.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: posiblemente

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'posiblemente' correctly to express uncertainty about a future action?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

posible(possible) - adjective

posibilidad(possibility) - noun

imposible(impossible) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'posiblemente' more formal than 'quizás' or 'tal vez'?

Yes, 'posiblemente' is generally seen as slightly more formal and is very common in written Spanish or structured speech, while 'quizás' and 'tal vez' are used more frequently in everyday, casual conversation.

Does 'posiblemente' always require the subjunctive mood?

Not always. If you are stating a fact that is only mildly probable (e.g., 'Posiblemente está en casa ahora' - He is possibly at home right now), you can use the normal verb form (indicative). However, when expressing uncertainty about the future or a desire, the special verb form (subjunctive) is usually needed.