impossibly
UK: /ɪmˈpɒsəbli/ | US: /ɪmˈpɑːsəbli/
adv. in a way that cannot be done or achieved
adv. to an extreme or unreasonable degree
The word "impossibly" combines the negative prefix "im-" (from Latin "in-," meaning "not"), the root "poss" (from Latin "posse," meaning "to be able"), and the adverbial suffix "-ibly" (derived from Latin "-ibilis," indicating capability). The term evolved through Old French "impossible" before entering Middle English, retaining its core meaning of "not able to be done." The suffix "-ibly" transforms the adjective "impossible" into an adverb, emphasizing the manner of action.
The task seemed impossibly difficult for a beginner.
She was impossibly late to the meeting.
The mountain was impossibly high to climb without equipment.
He smiled impossibly wide, surprising everyone.
The puzzle was impossibly complex, frustrating the participants.