Choice vs. Possibility: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Choice refers to the act of selecting from options, while Possibility pertains to the potential or likelihood something can occur.
Key Differences
Choice typically connotes the act of selecting or deciding among a set of given options. It suggests a degree of volition and implies that there's an active decision-making process involved. On the other hand, Possibility pertains to the potential, chance, or likelihood that a particular event or situation can or will take place. It doesn't necessarily imply a decision but rather the existence of conditions that allow for certain outcomes.
While Choice requires the presence of alternatives to select from, Possibility doesn't demand options but rather scenarios that might materialize. For instance, when presented with different flavors of ice cream, one makes a "choice" based on preference. Conversely, whether it might rain tomorrow is a "possibility," dependent on various factors but not on someone's active decision.
In some contexts, Choices can limit or expand Possibilities. For example, choosing a particular academic major can open certain career possibilities and close others. Likewise, the possibilities in a situation can influence the choices one might make. If there's a possibility of rain, one might choose to carry an umbrella.
Moreover, while Choice implies a certain level of control, as one has the agency in deciding, Possibility often represents potential scenarios outside an individual's direct control. Thus, while we exercise choices, we anticipate or forecast possibilities based on conditions or information at hand.
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
Act of selecting among options.
Potential or likelihood of an event.
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Nature
Active, decision-making.
Passive, speculative.
Requires
Alternatives or options.
Conditions or scenarios.
Control
Implies agency or control.
Often outside one's direct control.
Relation to Other
Can influence possibilities.
Can dictate available choices.
Choice and Possibility Definitions
Choice
The act of selecting among alternatives.
Given the choice, she'd always pick chocolate over vanilla.
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Possibility
The quality or state of being possible.
The very possibility of failure frightened him.
Choice
The act of choosing; selection
It is time to make a choice between the candidates.
Possibility
An option or course of action that can be taken.
One possibility is to postpone the meeting.
Choice
The power, right, or liberty to choose; option
The teacher gave me the choice between taking an exam and writing a paper.
Possibility
The fact or state of being possible
Investigating the possibility of life on other planets.
Choice
An alternative
With no money, he had no choice but to walk home.
Possibility
Something that is possible
His promotion now seems a possibility.
Choice
One that is chosen
That vase on sale looks like an excellent choice.
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
A number or variety from which to choose
A wide choice of styles and colors.
Possibility
Possibilities Potentiality for favorable or interesting results
The idea has great possibilities.
Choice
The right to terminate a pregnancy by induced abortion.
Possibility
The quality of being possible.
Choice
Of very fine quality
Choice peaches.
Possibility
A thing possible; that which may take place or come into being.
Choice
Selected with care; well-chosen
Choice phrases.
Possibility
An option or choice, usually used in context with future events.
Choice
Expressive of intense disapproval
Had some choice words for the movers who dropped her antique spinet.
Possibility
(obsolete) Capability, power or capacity to act.
Choice
Of or relating to the USDA grade of beef with more marbling than select cuts and less marbling than prime cuts.
Possibility
The quality or state of being possible; the power of happening, being, or existing.
Choice
An option; a decision; an opportunity to choose or select something.
Do I have a choice of what color to paint it?
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
(uncountable) The power to choose.
She didn't leave us much choice.
Possibility
A future prospect or potential;
This room has great possibilities
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
Capability of existing or happening or being true;
There is a possibility that his sense of smell has been impaired
Choice
Anything that can be chosen.
You have three choices: vanilla, strawberry or chocolate
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
The best or most preferable part.
Possibility
A possible alternative;
Bankruptcy is always a possibility
Choice
(obsolete) Care and judgement in selecting; discrimination, selectiveness.
Possibility
The chance that something might happen or exist.
There's a possibility of rain tomorrow.
Choice
(obsolete) A sufficient number to choose among.
Possibility
A potential future event or outcome.
Moving abroad is a possibility she's considering.
Choice
(set theory) axiom of choice.
Possibility
A potential candidate or suitable option.
He's a possibility for the vacant position.
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
A range of options from which one can select.
The store offered a wide choice of dresses.
Choice
The right or power to decide.
The choice is yours to make.
Choice
A preferred or favorable option.
This restaurant is my first choice for dinner.
FAQs
Which word implies active decision-making?
Choice implies active decision-making.
Does Possibility always mean something will happen?
No, Possibility indicates the potential, but not the certainty, of something happening.
Can you have a Choice without Possibilities?
No, a Choice requires having possibilities or options to select from.
Is Choice always a conscious act?
While often conscious, choices can sometimes be made subconsciously.
Can something be a remote possibility?
Yes, indicating it has a very slight chance of occurring.
Does every situation offer a Choice?
Not always, some situations might not provide options or control.
What does Choice primarily involve?
Choice primarily involves the act of selecting from given options.
Is every Possibility a Choice?
Not necessarily, as some possibilities might be beyond one's control to decide.
Do people always have a Choice?
While choices are often present, external constraints can sometimes limit them.
Can possibilities change based on choices?
Yes, certain choices can expand or limit future possibilities.
Is Possibility always about future events?
Primarily, though it can also relate to present scenarios or options not yet realized.
Can one's choices influence others' possibilities?
Absolutely, choices made can shape possibilities for oneself and others.
Is every Possibility worth considering?
Not always, some might be improbable or irrelevant to one's goals.
Do possibilities always lead to outcomes?
No, only when a possibility materializes does it result in an outcome.
Can a Possibility ever become a certainty?
Yes, when conditions confirm an event will definitely occur.
Are choices always binary?
No, choices can range from binary to a multitude of options.
How does information affect Choice?
More or accurate information can lead to better-informed choices.
Can one predict all Possibilities?
No, unforeseen factors can lead to unexpected possibilities.
Is there always a "right" Choice?
No, what's right can vary based on personal values, information, and context.
Can possibilities be quantified?
Often, especially in probabilities where they're given a percentage likelihood.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
