impossibili

Impossibili is the plural masculine form of the Italian adjective impossibile, meaning things that cannot occur, be done, or be true. It can also function as a noun phrase meaning “the impossible” in philosophical, literary, or rhetorical contexts. The singular form is impossibile.

Etymology and form: The word derives from Latin impossibilis, formed from in- “not” + posse “to be able” + -bilis. In Italian, impossibile entered as an adjective and, when pluralized to impossibili, agrees with masculine plural nouns or can be used as a substantive phrase to denote the concept of impossibility.

Usage: As an adjective, impossibili modifies masculine plural nouns, as in temi impossibili or compiti impossibili. As a noun, it can appear with a definite article to denote the concept of impossibility or a set of impossible things, for example gli impossibili. The term is more commonly used in theoretical or literary contexts than in everyday speech, where the singular impossibile is often sufficient for describing a single impossibility.

Cultural and linguistic context: In Italian discourse, impossibili appears in discussions of philosophy, logic, or speculative fiction to frame limits, paradoxes, or hypothetical scenarios. It is not tied to a specific fixed work or title and is generally employed as a descriptive category rather than as a proper name. The plural form emphasizes multiple instances or ideas of impossibility, rather than a single, concrete impossibility.