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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Impossible


IMPOSS'IBLE, adjective [Latin impossibilis; in and possibilis, from possum, to be able.]

1. That cannot be. It is impossible that two and two should make five, or that a circle and a square make five, or that a circle and a square should be the same thing, or that a thing should be, and not be at the same time.

2. Impracticable; not feasible; that cannot be done.

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26.

Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6.

There are two kinds of impossibilities; physical and moral. That is a physical impossibility, which is contrary to the law of nature. A thing is said to be morally impossible when in itself it is possible, but attended with difficulties or circumstances which give it the appearance of being impossible [See Possible, Practicable and Impracticable.]