möglichst

Möglichst is a German adverb meaning "as possible" or "to the greatest extent possible." It is used to express the degree to which something should be done, or to indicate a preference, and can translate as “as soon as possible,” “as early as possible,” or “preferably” depending on the context.

Form and usage: The word is derived from the adjective möglich (possible) with the fixed adverbial suffix -st. It typically precedes the adjective or adverb it strengthens, as in möglichst schnell, möglichst früh, möglichst viel, or in attributive phrases like eine möglichst geringe Summe. It also appears after imperatives, as in Bitte kommen Sie möglichst pünktlich.

Nuance and alternatives: In formal writing, so bald wie möglich or so schnell wie möglich are common equivalents for “as soon as possible.” Möglichst emphasizes achieving a goal with the greatest possible degree of success or with minimal negative outcomes, costs, or delays. It can convey a practical wish to optimize rather than merely describe possibility. It should not be confused with möglicherweise, which means "possibly" or "perhaps."

Etymology and related forms: Möglich means "possible," stemming from Germanic roots related to ability or possibility. The adverbial form möglichtst derives from this adjective with the suffix -st to express degree. Related forms include mögliche (possible, in a different syntactic role) and möglicherweise (possibly).