Choice vs. Possibility — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Choice refers to the act of selecting or deciding among options. Possibility pertains to something that might occur or be achievable.
Difference Between Choice and Possibility
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Choice is about making a decision from available alternatives. When presented with multiple options, one exercises their right or power to make a selection, showcasing the essence of choice. Possibility, conversely, represents the potential for something to occur or the fact that something might be the case. It does not necessarily indicate a selection but rather the potential outcomes.
When considering choice, it is often voluntary, an act of free will. Individuals choose their outfits, their meals, or their careers. These decisions are deliberate, stemming from personal preferences or judgments. Possibility does not require action; it is an inherent trait of a situation or circumstance. For instance, it's possible it might rain tomorrow, but no one chooses for it to rain.
Choice can sometimes be limited, constrained by circumstances, rules, or scarcity. For instance, a menu at a restaurant offers a limited range of choices. Possibility, on the other hand, is expansive, often limited only by natural laws or logical constraints. In the realm of imagination, almost anything is possible.
In daily conversation, choice often implies responsibility. When one makes a choice, they are accountable for the outcomes of that decision. Possibility, in contrast, is more neutral. While it points to potential outcomes or scenarios, it doesn't inherently carry the weight of decision-making.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
The act of selecting among options.
The potential for something to occur or be the case.
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Grammatical Use
Often used as a noun.
Primarily used as a noun.
Implication
Implies decision and selection.
Implies potential and uncertainty.
Responsibility
Often carries responsibility for outcomes.
Does not inherently have responsibility attached.
Constraints
Can be limited by circumstances or availability.
Generally expansive, limited by natural or logical bounds.
Compare with Definitions
Choice
A range of options from which a selection can be made.
She had several choices of colleges to attend.
Possibility
Potential or prospective value.
He saw the possibility in the new venture.
Choice
A decision made or course of action taken.
Moving to the city was a good choice for her career.
Possibility
The chance that something might happen or be the case.
There's a possibility of rain tomorrow.
Choice
A choice is the range of different things from which you can choose. The arrival at a choice may incorporate motivators and models.
Possibility
The state or fact of being likely or possible.
The possibility of success motivated her.
Choice
An act of choosing between two or more possibilities
The choice between good and evil
Possibility
A potential candidate or option.
She's a possibility for the lead role in the play.
Choice
(especially of food) of very good quality
He picked some choice early plums
Possibility
A thing that may happen or be the case
There was the possibility that he might be turned down
Relegation remains a distinct possibility
Choice
(of words or language) rude and abusive
He had a few choice words at his command
Possibility
The fact or state of being possible
Investigating the possibility of life on other planets.
Choice
The act of choosing; selection
It is time to make a choice between the candidates.
Possibility
Something that is possible
His promotion now seems a possibility.
Choice
The power, right, or liberty to choose; option
The teacher gave me the choice between taking an exam and writing a paper.
Possibility
One that is capable of being chosen or of being made real
She is a strong possibility in the senatorial race. There are several possibilities for dessert.
Choice
An alternative
With no money, he had no choice but to walk home.
Possibility
Possibilities Potentiality for favorable or interesting results
The idea has great possibilities.
Choice
One that is chosen
That vase on sale looks like an excellent choice.
Possibility
The quality of being possible.
Choice
A number or variety from which to choose
A wide choice of styles and colors.
Possibility
A thing possible; that which may take place or come into being.
Choice
The right to terminate a pregnancy by induced abortion.
Possibility
An option or choice, usually used in context with future events.
Choice
Of very fine quality
Choice peaches.
Possibility
(obsolete) Capability, power or capacity to act.
Choice
Selected with care; well-chosen
Choice phrases.
Possibility
The quality or state of being possible; the power of happening, being, or existing.
Choice
Expressive of intense disapproval
Had some choice words for the movers who dropped her antique spinet.
Possibility
That which is possible; a contingency; a thing or event that may not happen; a contingent interest, as in real or personal estate.
Choice
Of or relating to the USDA grade of beef with more marbling than select cuts and less marbling than prime cuts.
Possibility
A future prospect or potential;
This room has great possibilities
Choice
An option; a decision; an opportunity to choose or select something.
Do I have a choice of what color to paint it?
Possibility
Capability of existing or happening or being true;
There is a possibility that his sense of smell has been impaired
Choice
(uncountable) The power to choose.
She didn't leave us much choice.
Possibility
A tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena;
A scientific hypothesis that survives experimental testing becomes a scientific theory
He proposed a fresh theory of alkalis that later was accepted in chemical practices
Choice
One selection or preference; that which is chosen or decided; the outcome of a decision.
The ice cream sundae is a popular choice for dessert.
Possibility
A possible alternative;
Bankruptcy is always a possibility
Choice
Anything that can be chosen.
You have three choices: vanilla, strawberry or chocolate
Possibility
A thing that may happen or be the case.
One possibility is that he missed the train.
Choice
The best or most preferable part.
Choice
(obsolete) Care and judgement in selecting; discrimination, selectiveness.
Choice
(obsolete) A sufficient number to choose among.
Choice
(set theory) axiom of choice.
Choice
Especially good or preferred.
It's a choice location, but you will pay more to live there.
Choice
(obsolete) Careful in choosing; discriminating.
Choice
Cool; excellent.
"I'm going to the movies." —"Choice!"
Choice
Act of choosing; the voluntary act of selecting or separating from two or more things that which is preferred; the determination of the mind in preferring one thing to another; election.
Choice
The power or opportunity of choosing; option.
Choice there is not, unless the thing which we take be so in our power that we might have refused it.
Choice
Care in selecting; judgment or skill in distinguishing what is to be preferred, and in giving a preference; discrimination.
I imagine they [the apothegms of Cæsar] were collected with judgment and choice.
Choice
A sufficient number to choose among.
Choice
The thing or person chosen; that which is approved and selected in preference to others; selection.
The common wealth is sick of their own choice.
Choice
The best part; that which is preferable.
The flower and choiceOf many provinces from bound to bound.
Choice
Worthly of being chosen or preferred; select; superior; precious; valuable.
My choicest hours of life are lost.
Choice
Preserving or using with care, as valuable; frugal; - used with of; as, to be choice of time, or of money.
Choice
Selected with care, and due attention to preference; deliberately chosen.
Choice word measured phrase.
Choice
The person or thing chosen or selected;
He was my pick for mayor
Choice
The act of choosing or selecting;
Your choice of colors was unfortunate
You can take your pick
Choice
One of a number of things from which only one can be chosen;
What option did I have?
There no other alternative
My only choice is to refuse
Choice
Of superior grade;
Choice wines
Prime beef
Prize carnations
Quality paper
Select peaches
Choice
Appealing to refined taste;
Choice wine
Choice
The act of selecting among several options.
The menu offers a wide range of choices.
Choice
Of high quality; premier.
This steak is of choice cut.
Choice
The right or power to select.
It's your choice to decide which path to take.
Common Curiosities
Can "choice" be an adjective?
Yes, as in "choice ingredients," meaning of high quality.
How does "possibility" relate to potential?
Possibility pertains to something that might occur or be achievable, indicating potential.
Can "choice" imply preference?
Yes, one's choice often reflects their preference or judgment.
Can a decision be called a "choice"?
Yes, a decision made can be referred to as a choice.
Can "possibility" be used synonymously with "option"?
Not always. While both suggest potential scenarios, "option" leans more towards a concrete alternative, and "possibility" denotes potentiality.
Does "possibility" always mean something will happen?
No, it only indicates that something might happen, not that it will.
Can "possibility" be used in positive contexts?
Absolutely, like when discussing the possibility of success or positive outcomes.
Is "choice" always voluntary?
While choice often involves volition, sometimes choices are made under constraints or pressure.
What does "choice" primarily signify?
Choice primarily signifies the act of selecting or deciding among options.
Is "possibility" used to indicate certainty?
No, it denotes potential or likelihood, not certainty.
Is every possibility a choice?
No, while possibilities suggest potential outcomes, they don't inherently become choices unless they're being considered for selection.
How does "choice" relate to freedom?
Choice often implies the freedom to decide among available options.
How do choice and possibility interact?
Possibilities present potential scenarios, and from these, one makes a choice.
Can "possibility" relate to imagination?
Yes, in the realm of imagination, many things become possible.
Can one have a choice without possibilities?
No, to have a choice, there must be possibilities or options to select from.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
