mogelijk

Mogelijk is a Dutch word that functions as both an adjective meaning "possible" and an adverb meaning "perhaps" or "possibly." As an adjective, mogelijk typically precedes a noun, as in een mogelijk probleem meaning "a possible problem." It can also be used predicatively, as in Dat is mogelijk, meaning "That is possible." As an adverb, mogelijk can introduce a clause or appear before the verb in constructions such as Mogelijk komt hij morgen, meaning "Perhaps he will come tomorrow." In negative contexts, the form onmogelijk means "impossible," and niet mogelijk emphasizes that something is not possible.

The noun form related to mogelijk is mogelijkheid, meaning "possibility" or "opportunity," with plural mogelijkheden. This noun is used to discuss options, chances, or potential outcomes in various domains, including science, philosophy, planning, and everyday decision-making.

Etymology and related forms: Mogelijk derives from the verb mogen, meaning "to be allowed" or "may," combined with the Dutch adjectival suffix -lijk to form an adjective meaning "able to be." The word is closely related to the German möglich and the English possible, all tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root related to ability or permission.

Usage notes: In Dutch, mogelijk conveys a sense of potential without asserting a high likelihood, in contrast to veelvoud of waarschijnlijk meaning "likely." It is common in both spoken and written Dutch and appears across formal and informal registers. Phrases frequently encountered include het is mogelijk dat, mogelijkerwijs (a more formal or literary adverb form), and de mogelijkheden (the possibilities).

See also: onmogelijk (impossible), mogelijkheid (possibility), waarschijnlijk (likely).