"Remote possibility" is spelled using the phonetic transcription /rɪˈmoʊt pɑsəˈbɪləti/. The first syllable "ri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "sit". The stress is on the second syllable "mote". The following "p" is pronounced with an aspirated "p" sound as in "pat". The final syllable "bility" ends with a schwa sound and the stress is on the second syllable "si". The phrase refers to a very unlikely or improbable event or outcome.
A remote possibility refers to an event or outcome that has an extremely low likelihood of occurring. It denotes a situation where the chances of something happening are so slim that it is almost improbable or distant from reality. The term "remote" conveys a sense of distance or separation, indicating that the possibility is far removed or isolated. While the adjective "remote" typically denotes physical distance or separation, when used in the context of possibility, it signifies a significant degree of unlikelihood or improbability.
When an event or outcome is described as a remote possibility, it implies that the probability of its occurrence is minimal or highly unlikely. It suggests that the chances are so slim that one should not rely on or expect the event to happen. The phrase is often used to discuss situations that are highly unlikely or improbable, serving to emphasize the unlikelihood of an outcome. Despite the infrequency or rarity associated with a remote possibility, it does indicate that there is still a very small chance that the event or outcome could occur, albeit it is considerably unlikely. Thus, a remote possibility can be seen as a way to acknowledge the existence of a slim chance while emphasizing its rarity and unlikelihood.
The word "remote" in this context comes from the Latin word "remotus", which is the past participle of "removere". "Removere" is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "away", and "movēre" meaning "to move". Therefore, "remote" originally meant "moved away" or "far removed".
The word "possibility" comes from the Latin word "possibilitas", which is derived from "possibilis" meaning "possible". "Possibilis" is a combination of "posse" meaning "to be able" and "-ibilis", a suffix indicating ability or possibility.
Putting this together, "remote possibility" suggests that something is a far removed or distant chance of being possible.