What does conceivably mean?
"Conceivably" is an adverb meaning in a manner that can be imagined, believed, or regarded as possible. It is most often used with modal verbs such as "could," "might," or "may" to signal that an outcome lies within the realm of the possible — "Prices could conceivably double" — without asserting that it is likely. This hedging function makes the word valuable in careful argument, journalism, and scientific writing, where speakers want to acknowledge a possibility while keeping some distance from it. Depending on tone and context, it can sound open-minded or faintly skeptical, subtly implying that the speaker considers the scenario remote. Derived from the verb "conceive," which traces back through Old French conceivre to Latin concipere ("to take in, grasp, become pregnant with"), the word carries the sense of something the mind can hold or entertain. Its close relative "conceivable" serves as the adjective form, and both are common in formal and neutral registers alike.
adverbIn a way that can be imagined or believed; possibly or feasibly, especially when emphasizing that something is within the bounds of what the mind can accept.
- Used to indicate that something is possible or imaginable, often with a hint of skepticism or hedging.
- Used to mean that something can be grasped, understood, or mentally pictured (less common).
"The storm could conceivably knock out power to the entire region."
"Prices could conceivably rise by another ten percent before the end of the year."
"The instructions were so vague that the task was not conceivably doable by a beginner."
It's the polite skeptic's favorite word — 'conceivably' lets you admit something's possible while quietly suggesting you doubt it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conceivably
"Conceivably" derives from "conceive," which entered Middle English from Old French conceivre, itself from Latin concipere, meaning "to take in, receive, or grasp with the mind." The Latin combines com- ("together") with capere ("to take"). The adverbial form developed alongside the adjective "conceivable" in English, likely by the early modern period, retaining the core sense of something the mind can grasp or entertain as real.
Related word forms
How conceivably is actually used
Register is neutral to slightly formal. In everyday speech and journalism, 'conceivably' frequently appears with modal verbs ('could,' 'might,' 'may') as a hedge, softening a claim without fully endorsing it. The tone can carry mild skepticism depending on context.
Easily confused with conceivably
'Conceivably' means something is possible or imaginable, while 'presumably' means it is probably true based on reasonable assumption.