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possibilitar

B2 verb 9 min read

possibilitar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips possibilitar in 30 Seconds

Explanation possibilitar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'possibilitar' yourself, as it is quite long and complex. Instead, you will use simpler words like 'pode' (can) or 'fazer' (to do/make). However, you might see it in very formal signs or documents. Think of it simply as 'making something possible'. If you see 'Possibilitar o acesso', it just means 'To allow access' or 'To make it so you can enter'. Focus on the root word 'possível' (possible), which you already know. If something is 'possível', then 'possibilitar' is the action of making it so. At this stage, just recognize that it is a verb that talks about opportunities. Don't worry about conjugating it in all tenses yet. Just remember: Possibilitar = To make possible. It is a very positive word that usually leads to something good happening.

At the A2 level, you are starting to build longer sentences. You can begin to recognize 'possibilitar' in news headlines or simple articles. You should understand that it is a more formal way of saying 'deixar' (to let) or 'ajudar a' (to help to). For example, instead of saying 'O sol deixa a gente ir à praia' (The sun lets us go to the beach), a news report might say 'O bom tempo possibilitou a ida à praia'. You are starting to see how Portuguese uses verbs to connect ideas. Notice that it ends in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. You can try using it in your writing to sound more advanced. For example: 'Estudar muito possibilita um bom trabalho' (Studying a lot makes a good job possible). It’s a great 'power word' to add to your vocabulary to move beyond basic verbs.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'possibilitar' in your own speaking and writing, especially when talking about your goals, your work, or social issues. You should understand that it is a transitive verb. You 'possibilitar' something. For example: 'A internet possibilita o estudo a distância'. You should also be aware of the noun form, 'possibilidade'. At this level, you might start using 'possibilitar' to avoid repeating the word 'pode' (can) too many times. It helps your Portuguese sound more fluid and less repetitive. You should also start noticing the difference between 'possibilitar' and 'permitir'. Remember, 'possibilitar' is about the means or the opportunity, while 'permitir' is about the permission. If you have a car, it 'possibilita' your travel. If your boss says you can go, he 'permite' your travel.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you must use 'possibilitar' accurately in various contexts. You should be comfortable with the 'possibilitar que + subjunctive' structure. For example: 'O governo criou leis que possibilitam que as pessoas comprem casas'. This is a hallmark of an upper-intermediate speaker. You should also be able to use it in the past tenses (Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito) and the future. You should recognize it as a key word in professional and academic Portuguese. You are expected to understand its synonyms like 'viabilizar' or 'proporcionar' and choose the right one based on the context. You should also be able to use it in passive-like structures, such as 'Foi possibilitada a entrada de novos sócios'. At this level, 'possibilitar' is no longer a 'hard' word but a necessary tool for expressing complex ideas about cause, effect, and opportunity.

At the C1 level, you use 'possibilitar' with nuance and precision. You understand its role in creating cohesive formal texts. You might use it in the future subjunctive or the personal infinitive to show a high level of grammatical control. For example: 'Caso a empresa possibilite o treinamento, os funcionários serão mais produtivos'. You are also aware of the subtle differences in register between 'possibilitar', 'ensejar', and 'facultar'. You use 'possibilitar' to build logical arguments in essays or business reports. You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'A filosofia possibilita uma compreensão profunda da existência'. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it to structure your thinking and to provide clear, professional explanations of how various factors interact to create outcomes.

At the C2 level, 'possibilitar' is a standard part of your high-level lexicon. You use it effortlessly in spontaneous speech and complex writing. You might even use it in literary or highly rhetorical ways. You understand the historical development of the word and its place within the Latin-based legal and academic traditions of the Portuguese language. You can use it in highly complex sentence structures, such as 'Ainda que as circunstâncias não o possibilitassem, ele persistiu em seu objetivo'. You are also sensitive to its frequency and avoid overusing it when a more specific or evocative verb like 'franquear' or 'desbloquear' might be more appropriate. At this level, you have a masterly command of how 'possibilitar' functions as a 'light verb' in some contexts and a 'heavy verb' in others, and you can manipulate these nuances to achieve specific stylistic effects in your Portuguese communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

possibilitar in 30 Seconds

Possibilitar is a formal Portuguese verb meaning 'to make possible' or 'to enable'.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses.
It often requires a direct object or a 'que' clause with the subjunctive mood.
It is widely used in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts to describe progress and opportunity.

The Portuguese verb possibilitar is a sophisticated and highly versatile word that translates most directly to 'to make possible' or 'to enable' in English. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object—something that is being made possible. At its core, it describes the action of providing the necessary means, conditions, or opportunities for something to occur. Unlike the simple verb 'dar' (to give), possibilitar implies a structural or situational change that removes barriers.

Semantic Nuance: While 'permitir' (to permit) focuses on authority and giving permission, possibilitar focuses on the actual feasibility and the creation of a pathway. If a teacher permits you to take an exam, they are giving you the right. If a scholarship possibilita your studies, it provides the actual financial means to make those studies a reality.

O investimento estrangeiro vai possibilitar a criação de novos empregos na região.

Professional and Academic Use: In professional environments, this word is a staple. It is used in project proposals, performance reviews, and strategic planning. It sounds more formal and precise than 'deixar' or 'fazer'. For instance, saying 'Este software possibilita uma análise mais rápida' sounds significantly more professional than 'Este software faz a análise ser mais rápida'.

A nova legislação possibilitará que pequenas empresas exportem seus produtos com menos burocracia.

Everyday Contexts: In daily life, it is used when talking about logistical arrangements. If you buy a car, it possibilita your travel to remote areas. If you learn English, it possibilita access to a vast world of information. It is inherently positive, usually linked to growth, expansion, and the opening of doors.

A internet possibilita que pessoas de diferentes continentes se comuniquem em tempo real.

O uso de fontes de energia renovável possibilita a redução da pegada de carbono global.

Ter um passaporte europeu possibilita a livre circulação entre diversos países.

Using possibilitar correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns. It follows the pattern 'A possibilita B' (A makes B possible) or 'A possibilita a alguém B' (A makes B possible for someone). It is a regular verb ending in -ar, making its conjugation predictable.

Direct Object Construction: The most common way to use the verb is with a direct object. You name the thing that is being enabled. For example: 'O avanço da medicina possibilita a cura de doenças' (The advancement of medicine enables the cure of diseases). Here, 'a cura de doenças' is the direct object.

As novas ciclovias possibilitam um transporte mais seguro para os ciclistas.

Using with the Subjunctive: When you want to say that something makes it possible *that* someone does something, you use 'possibilitar que' followed by the subjunctive mood. This is a very common structure in formal writing and speech. Example: 'O acordo possibilita que os alunos estudem no exterior' (The agreement makes it possible for the students to study abroad).

A tecnologia 5G possibilitará que as cirurgias sejam feitas à distância.

Reflexive Usage (Rare): While not common, you might see 'possibilitar-se', meaning to make something possible for oneself. However, native speakers usually prefer 'tornar possível para si mesmo' or 'conseguir'. Focus on the transitive non-reflexive use first.

A economia de gastos possibilitou a compra da casa própria.

O treinamento intensivo possibilitou ao atleta quebrar o recorde mundial.

Estudar gramática possibilita uma comunicação mais clara e precisa.

Possibilitar is a high-frequency word in media, politics, and science. If you watch the news (Jornal Nacional in Brazil or RTP Informação in Portugal), you will hear it constantly when reporters discuss government policies, technological breakthroughs, or social changes. It is the language of progress.

In the Corporate World: During business meetings or LinkedIn posts, professionals use possibilitar to discuss scalability and efficiency. A CEO might say, 'Nossa nova estratégia vai possibilitar um crescimento de vinte por cento no próximo ano.' It conveys a sense of logical planning and strategic enablement.

A parceria entre as duas empresas possibilitou a entrada em novos mercados globais.

Academic and Scientific Discourse: In research papers, possibilitar is used to describe how a methodology allows for certain results. 'Este método possibilita a coleta de dados em larga escala.' It is preferred over 'ajuda' (helps) because it implies a more absolute causal link—without the method, the collection would be impossible.

O telescópio James Webb possibilita a observação de galáxias formadas há bilhões de anos.

News and Politics: Politicians use it to describe the intended effects of laws. 'A reforma tributária vai possibilitar o reequilíbrio das contas públicas.' It is a word that looks toward the future and potential outcomes.

O novo tratado de paz possibilitará o retorno seguro dos refugiados às suas casas.

A educação de qualidade possibilita a ascensão social de milhares de jovens.

A digitalização dos serviços públicos possibilitou uma maior transparência governamental.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with possibilitar is treating it exactly like the English 'to enable' in every context. While they are very close, the syntax can sometimes trip people up.

Confusing with 'Permitir': Many learners use 'possibilitar' when they actually mean 'permitir'. If you want to say 'My mom enables my bad behavior', 'possibilitar' sounds a bit too clinical. In Portuguese, you would likely use 'permitir' or 'incentivar'. Use possibilitar for structural possibilities, not necessarily moral or interpersonal 'enabling' in the psychological sense.

Errado: O chefe me possibilitou sair mais cedo. (Sounds like he gave you the physical ability, not the permission).

Correto: O chefe me permitiu sair mais cedo.

Forgetting the Subjunctive: As mentioned before, when using the 'possibilitar que' construction, learners often forget to conjugate the following verb in the subjunctive mood. Saying 'Isso possibilita que ele faz' is a major grammar error; it must be 'Isso possibilita que ele faça'.

Overuse in Casual Speech: While not a 'mistake' per se, using possibilitar while hanging out at a bar with friends can sound a bit stiff or overly formal. In casual conversation, people often use 'deixar' (let) or 'dar para' (to be possible to). Example: 'Isso dá para fazer' instead of 'Isso possibilita a realização'.

O aplicativo possibilita o pagamento por aproximação. (Formal/Technical)

O aplicativo deixa você pagar aproximando o celular. (Informal)

A falta de tempo não possibilitou a nossa conversa. (Very Formal)

To truly master possibilitar, you should know its synonyms and how they differ in flavor and context. Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for expressing potentiality and enablement.

Viabilizar: This is perhaps the closest synonym in a professional context. It literally means 'to make viable'. It is often used for projects, budgets, and plans. While 'possibilitar' says something *can* happen, 'viabilizar' implies you have solved the problems that were stopping it from happening.

Proporcionar: This verb means 'to provide' or 'to afford'. It is often used for experiences or feelings. 'A viagem proporcionou momentos inesquecíveis' (The trip provided unforgettable moments). Use this when the outcome is an experience rather than just a technical possibility.

O governo quer viabilizar a construção da nova ponte até o fim do ano.

Facultar: This is a very formal, almost legalistic term. It means to grant the power or right to do something. You will see this in contracts or official regulations. 'A lei faculta ao cidadão o direito de resposta.'

O curso de artes proporciona uma nova visão sobre o mundo.

Ensejar: This is a beautiful, literary word that means 'to give rise to' or 'to provide an opportunity for'. It is used when one event leads naturally to another. 'A crise ensejou mudanças profundas na empresa.'

A decisão do juiz ensejou uma série de protestos na capital.

O novo software viabiliza o controle de estoque em tempo real.

A leitura frequente possibilita o enriquecimento do vocabulário.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'possibilitar' is much more common in Portuguese than its direct cognate 'possibilitate' is in English, which is considered rare or archaic. Portuguese speakers love using long verbs to sound more precise!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pu.si.bi.li.ˈtaɾ/

US /po.si.bi.li.ˈtaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: -TAR.

Rhymes With

Cantar Falar Acreditar Lutar Sonhar Desejar Alcançar Transformar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'bi' like 'buy'. In Portuguese, it is always 'bee'.
Stress on the wrong syllable, like pos-si-BI-li-tar. It must be pos-si-bi-li-TAR.
Pronouncing 'ss' like 'z'. It is always a sharp 's' sound.
Missing the 'i' after the 'l'.
Confusing the 'ti' sound; in Brazil it is 'chee', in Portugal it is 'tee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but its root 'possível' is easily recognizable to English speakers.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive mood when using 'que'.

Speaking 4/5

The many syllables can be a mouthful for beginners to pronounce fluidly.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to spot in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Possível Poder Fazer Ter Dar

Learn Next

Viabilizar Proporcionar Facultar Ensejar Oportunizar

Advanced

Hermenêutica Infraestrutura Conjuntura Disruptivo Assertividade

Grammar to Know

Subjunctive Mood after 'que'

É necessário que a empresa possibilite o acesso.

Direct Object Pronouns

O dinheiro possibilitou a viagem? Sim, ele a possibilitou.

Future Indicative Conjugation

Amanhã, a tecnologia possibilitará novas curas.

Personal Infinitive

Para possibilitarmos a mudança, precisamos de união.

Passive Voice with 'ser'

A mudança foi possibilitada pelo esforço de todos.

Examples by Level

O sol possibilita o passeio.

The sun makes the walk possible.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

O dinheiro possibilita a compra.

The money makes the purchase possible.

Subject + Verb + Direct Object.

A chave possibilita a entrada.

The key makes the entry possible.

The verb connects the tool (key) to the result (entry).

O mapa possibilita a viagem.

The map makes the trip possible.

'Mapa' is the subject that enables the 'viagem'.

A chuva possibilita a vida.

The rain makes life possible.

A universal truth expressed with 'possibilitar'.

O livro possibilita o estudo.

The book makes the study possible.

Simple direct object 'o estudo'.

O carro possibilita o trabalho.

The car makes the work possible.

Enabling a daily necessity.

A internet possibilita a conversa.

The internet makes the conversation possible.

Using technology as the subject.

A nova lei possibilita mais empregos.

The new law enables more jobs.

Abstract subject (law) enabling a social outcome.

O curso possibilita aprender português.

The course makes it possible to learn Portuguese.

Using an infinitive 'aprender' after the verb.

A bolsa de estudos possibilitou o curso.

The scholarship made the course possible.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense) showing a completed action.

O passaporte possibilita viajar pelo mundo.

The passport makes it possible to travel around the world.

Common A2 topic: travel and documents.

O exercício possibilita uma vida saudável.

Exercise makes a healthy life possible.

General statement about health.

As ferramentas possibilitam o conserto.

The tools make the repair possible.

Plural subject 'ferramentas' matches plural verb 'possibilitam'.

O tempo livre possibilita o descanso.

Free time makes rest possible.

Abstract concept of time as an enabler.

A luz possibilita ver no escuro.

Light makes it possible to see in the dark.

Basic physical cause and effect.

O investimento vai possibilitar a expansão da fábrica.

The investment will enable the expansion of the factory.

Future tense using 'ir + infinitive'.

A tecnologia possibilita que trabalhemos de casa.

Technology makes it possible for us to work from home.

'Possibilitar que' followed by the Present Subjunctive.

O novo acordo possibilitou a paz entre os vizinhos.

The new agreement made peace possible between the neighbors.

Social context, past tense.

Estudar gramática possibilita uma melhor escrita.

Studying grammar enables better writing.

Gerund-like subject in Portuguese (Infinitive used as a noun).

O projeto possibilitará o desenvolvimento da vila.

The project will enable the development of the village.

Future Simple tense: 'possibilitará'.

A meditação possibilita o controle do estresse.

Meditation enables the control of stress.

Abstract psychological enabler.

O visto possibilitou que ela ficasse no país.

The visa made it possible for her to stay in the country.

Past tense with subjunctive: 'que ela ficasse'.

As redes sociais possibilitam a troca de ideias.

Social networks enable the exchange of ideas.

Plural agreement and abstract object.

A reforma administrativa possibilitou uma gestão mais eficiente.

The administrative reform enabled more efficient management.

Professional/Academic context.

O avanço científico possibilita que novas curas sejam descobertas.

Scientific advancement makes it possible for new cures to be discovered.

Passive voice in the subjunctive clause.

A flexibilidade de horários possibilita um melhor equilíbrio de vida.

Flexible hours enable a better life balance.

Work-life balance topic.

O financiamento possibilitará a compra de equipamentos modernos.

The financing will enable the purchase of modern equipment.

Business and financial future tense.

A digitalização de documentos possibilita o acesso rápido à informação.

The digitization of documents enables quick access to information.

Modern technological process.

O diálogo aberto possibilita que os conflitos sejam resolvidos.

Open dialogue makes it possible for conflicts to be resolved.

Interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

A democratização da educação possibilita a igualdade de oportunidades.

The democratization of education enables equality of opportunity.

Sociological and political discourse.

O novo software possibilitou a integração de todos os setores.

The new software enabled the integration of all sectors.

Technical and organizational impact.

A infraestrutura robusta possibilitou que a cidade enfrentasse a crise.

The robust infrastructure made it possible for the city to face the crisis.

Complex past narrative with subjunctive.

O domínio de vários idiomas possibilita uma carreira internacional sólida.

Mastery of several languages enables a solid international career.

Using 'possibilitar' to describe career prerequisites.

A análise criteriosa dos dados possibilitará previsões mais assertivas.

The careful analysis of data will enable more assertive predictions.

Academic/Scientific future prediction.

Possibilitar o crescimento sustentável é o maior desafio do século.

Enabling sustainable growth is the greatest challenge of the century.

Infinitive used as the subject of the sentence.

A transparência governamental possibilita o exercício pleno da cidadania.

Government transparency enables the full exercise of citizenship.

High-level political science terminology.

O intercâmbio cultural possibilitou que os alunos expandissem seus horizontes.

The cultural exchange made it possible for students to expand their horizons.

Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo: 'expandissem'.

A inovação disruptiva possibilita a criação de novos modelos de negócio.

Disruptive innovation enables the creation of new business models.

Business theory and terminology.

O autoconhecimento possibilita que tomemos decisões mais conscientes.

Self-knowledge enables us to make more conscious decisions.

Psychological and philosophical context.

A confluência de fatores históricos possibilitou a eclosão da revolução.

The confluence of historical factors made the outbreak of the revolution possible.

Historical and literary register.

Não obstante os obstáculos, a resiliência possibilitou a vitória final.

Despite the obstacles, resilience made the final victory possible.

Formal conjunction 'Não obstante' with 'possibilitar'.

A hermenêutica jurídica possibilita uma interpretação justa da norma.

Legal hermeneutics enables a just interpretation of the rule.

Specialized legal terminology.

O refinamento técnico possibilitou que a obra atingisse um patamar sublime.

Technical refinement made it possible for the work to reach a sublime level.

Aesthetic and artistic criticism.

A bioética possibilita que o progresso científico respeite a dignidade humana.

Bioethics enables scientific progress to respect human dignity.

Ethical and scientific discourse.

A descentralização do poder possibilitou uma maior autonomia regional.

The decentralization of power enabled greater regional autonomy.

Political and administrative theory.

A intertextualidade possibilita que o leitor estabeleça diálogos entre obras.

Intertextuality enables the reader to establish dialogues between works.

Literary theory and academic register.

O rigor metodológico possibilitou a validação das hipóteses levantadas.

Methodological rigor enabled the validation of the raised hypotheses.

Formal scientific validation process.

Common Collocations

Possibilitar o acesso

Possibilitar o crescimento

Possibilitar a realização

Possibilitar o diálogo

Possibilitar a compreensão

Possibilitar o desenvolvimento

Possibilitar a integração

Possibilitar o avanço

Possibilitar a cura

Possibilitar a entrada

Common Phrases

Possibilitar que

— Used to introduce a clause explaining what is made possible. Needs subjunctive.

Isso possibilita que todos participem.

Possibilitar a alguém

— To make something possible specifically for a person.

O curso possibilitou a ela um novo emprego.

Tudo é possibilitado por

— Passive structure meaning 'Everything is made possible by'.

Tudo é possibilitado pela sua dedicação.

Possibilitar o impossível

— A rhetorical phrase about achieving very difficult things.

Sua coragem possibilitou o impossível.

Possibilitar meios

— To provide the means or resources.

O governo deve possibilitar meios de transporte.

Possibilitar condições

— To create the necessary conditions.

Precisamos possibilitar condições de igualdade.

Possibilitar recursos

— To provide the necessary resources.

A empresa vai possibilitar recursos para a pesquisa.

Possibilitar o sucesso

— To enable success.

O planejamento possibilitou o sucesso da festa.

Possibilitar a mudança

— To make change possible.

Sua atitude possibilitou a mudança de clima na sala.

Possibilitar o encontro

— To make a meeting possible.

A conferência possibilitou o encontro de especialistas.

Often Confused With

possibilitar vs Permitir

Permitir is about authority/permission; possibilitar is about means/feasibility.

possibilitar vs Viabilizar

Viabilizar is specifically about making a project or plan 'viable' or 'workable'.

possibilitar vs Proporcionar

Proporcionar is usually for providing pleasant experiences or outcomes.

Idioms & Expressions

"Abrir caminhos"

— To open paths; a more idiomatic way to say you are enabling future success.

Este estágio vai abrir caminhos para você.

Informal

"Dar cartas"

— To be in charge, thus enabling specific outcomes.

Ele é quem dá as cartas e possibilita as mudanças.

Informal

"Dar luz verde"

— To give the green light; to permit and thus enable a project.

O diretor deu luz verde, possibilitando o início da obra.

Neutral

"Pôr em marcha"

— To set in motion; to start a process that enables a result.

Pusemos em marcha o plano que possibilitou a vitória.

Neutral

"Quebrar o gelo"

— To break the ice; enabling a conversation to start.

A piada quebrou o gelo e possibilitou a conversa.

Informal

"Remar contra a maré"

— To row against the tide; making success possible despite difficulties.

Ele remou contra a maré e possibilitou o negócio.

Informal

"Luz no fim do túnel"

— Light at the end of the tunnel; a sign that success is now possible.

O empréstimo foi a luz no fim do túnel que possibilitou a sobrevivência.

Informal

"Mãos à obra"

— Hands to work; the action that enables the completion of a task.

Com mãos à obra, possibilitamos a entrega no prazo.

Informal

"Fazer das tripas coração"

— To do the impossible; to enable something through great effort.

Fez das tripas coração e possibilitou a festa do filho.

Informal

"Chave do sucesso"

— The key to success; the factor that enables achievement.

A disciplina é a chave do sucesso que possibilita tudo.

Neutral

Easily Confused

possibilitar vs Impossibilitar

Sounds almost the same.

It means the exact opposite (to make impossible).

A chuva impossibilitou o jogo.

possibilitar vs Possibilidade

It is the noun form.

One is an action (verb), the other is a concept (noun).

Existe a possibilidade de chuva.

possibilitar vs Possivelmente

It is the adverb form.

It means 'possibly' or 'maybe'.

Possivelmente ele virá.

possibilitar vs Possuir

Starts with 'Poss-'.

Possuir means 'to own' or 'to possess'.

Ele possui uma casa grande.

possibilitar vs Potencializar

Similar meaning in terms of 'enabling'.

Potencializar means to increase the power or effect of something already existing.

O café potencializa minha energia.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] possibilita [Noun].

O sol possibilita a vida.

[Subject] possibilita [Infinitive Verb].

O curso possibilita estudar mais.

[Subject] possibilitou que [Subject] [Subjunctive Verb].

O visto possibilitou que ela viajasse.

[Noun Phrase] possibilita a [Noun Phrase].

A reforma tributária possibilita o crescimento econômico.

Ao possibilitar [Noun], [Subject] [Verb].

Ao possibilitar o acesso, o governo ajudou o povo.

Não obstante [Obstacle], [Subject] possibilitou [Noun].

Não obstante a crise, a empresa possibilitou o lucro.

B1/B2

[Subject] vai possibilitar [Noun].

O investimento vai possibilitar a obra.

B2/C1

[Subject] tem possibilitado [Noun].

A tecnologia tem possibilitado o progresso.

Word Family

Nouns

Possibilidade (Possibility)

Possibilismo (Possibilism - philosophical term)

Verbs

Possibilitar (To enable)

Impossibilitar (To disable/make impossible)

Adjectives

Possível (Possible)

Possibilitado (Enabled/Made possible)

Impossível (Impossible)

Poder (Can/To be able to)

Potencial (Potential)

Viabilidade (Viability)

Capacidade (Capacity)

Oportunidade (Opportunity)

How to Use It

frequency

High in written and formal spoken Portuguese; Medium in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Isso possibilita ele viajar. → Isso possibilita que ele viaje.
You cannot use a personal pronoun + infinitive directly after 'possibilitar' like in English. Use the 'que + subjunctive' structure.
O professor possibilitou eu sair. → O professor permitiu que eu saísse.
'Possibilitar' sounds too mechanical for a person giving permission. 'Permitir' is the correct choice here.
A chave possibilita entrar na casa. → A chave possibilita a entrada na casa.
It is more natural to use a noun (entrada) than an infinitive (entrar) after 'possibilitar' without 'que'.
Eu vou possibilitar o projeto. → Eu vou viabilizar o projeto.
In a business context, 'viabilizar' sounds more professional when talking about making a project work.
Isso possibilita que nós fazemos. → Isso possibilita que nós façamos.
'Fazemos' is indicative; 'façamos' is the required subjunctive form.

Tips

Master the Subjunctive

Whenever you use 'possibilitar que', immediately prepare to use the subjunctive mood. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Professional Polish

Use 'possibilitar' in your resume or LinkedIn profile to describe your achievements (e.g., 'Possibilitei a redução de custos').

The 'SS' Sound

Make sure the 'ss' is a sharp, hissing sound like in 'hiss', not a 'z' sound like in 'busy'.

News Listening

Watch a 5-minute news clip and count how many times they use 'possibilitar' or 'possibilidade'. It's a great listening exercise.

Avoid Overuse

While it's a great word, don't use it in every sentence. Mix it with 'permitir', 'proporcionar', and 'viabilizar'.

The 'Ability' Connection

Notice the word 'ability' hidden inside (poss-ibi-li-tar). It's about giving the ability for something to happen.

Cause and Effect

Use it to connect your arguments: 'Fator A possibilita Resultado B'.

Slow Down

Because it has many syllables, say it slowly at first to ensure every vowel is heard clearly.

Identify the Subject

In complex sentences, the subject might be far from the verb. Always look for what is doing the 'enabling'.

Formal Letters

Always use 'possibilitar' instead of 'deixar' when writing formal letters or emails to authorities.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Possible' + 'It' + 'Tar'. You are putting the 'Tar' (the road) on the 'Possible' to make 'It' happen. You are 'Possibilitar-ing' the journey.

Visual Association

Imagine a large, heavy gate that is locked. Then imagine a giant silver key labeled 'POSSIBILITAR' turning the lock and the gate swinging open to a field of gold.

Word Web

Possível Possibilidade Poder Capaz Viável Oportunidade Meios Recursos

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about how learning Portuguese will change your life, using 'possibilitar' in the future tense ('possibilitará').

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'possibilis' (possible), which comes from 'posse' (to be able). The suffix '-itar' is added in Portuguese to form a frequentative or causative verb.

Original meaning: To cause to be possible; to bring into the realm of the doable.

Romance / Latin-based.

Cultural Context

The word is neutral and safe to use in all contexts. However, in psychological contexts, be careful not to use it to mean 'enabling' an addiction, as 'incentivar' or 'permitir' is more common there.

English speakers often use 'enable' or 'make possible'. 'Possibilitar' is the direct equivalent but feels slightly more common in formal Portuguese than 'possibilitate' does in English.

Used frequently in the 1988 Brazilian Constitution to describe the duties of the State. Common in the lyrics of 'MPB' (Música Popular Brasileira) when discussing social change. A staple word in the speeches of Portuguese politicians like Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

Possibilitar o lucro
Possibilitar a expansão
Possibilitar a parceria
Possibilitar o investimento

Education

Possibilitar o aprendizado
Possibilitar a pesquisa
Possibilitar a bolsa
Possibilitar o intercâmbio

Technology

Possibilitar a conexão
Possibilitar o acesso
Possibilitar o download
Possibilitar a integração

Politics

Possibilitar a reforma
Possibilitar a paz
Possibilitar a justiça
Possibilitar o desenvolvimento

Daily Life

Possibilitar a viagem
Possibilitar o encontro
Possibilitar a compra
Possibilitar o descanso

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que a tecnologia possibilita uma vida mais feliz ou mais estressante?"

"Quais mudanças no seu trabalho possibilitariam uma maior produtividade?"

"O que o governo deveria fazer para possibilitar mais empregos para os jovens?"

"Como o aprendizado de um novo idioma possibilita novas experiências culturais?"

"Você acredita que o dinheiro possibilita a felicidade ou apenas o conforto?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma decisão que possibilitou uma grande mudança na sua vida.

Como a internet possibilitou que você aprendesse coisas novas este ano?

Descreva um projeto ideal que você gostaria de possibilitar no seu bairro.

Reflita sobre como a paciência possibilita a resolução de conflitos difíceis.

Quais ferramentas ou recursos possibilitariam que você atingisse seus objetivos mais rápido?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds more formal. In casual talk, people often say 'deixar' or 'dar para'. For example, 'Isso deixa você fazer' instead of 'Isso possibilita a realização'.

Only when followed by 'que' and a new subject. Example: 'Possibilita que eu FAÇA'. If followed by a noun, no subjunctive is needed: 'Possibilita a VIAGEM'.

'Possibilitar' is more general (making possible). 'Viabilizar' is more specific to business and projects (making a plan technically or financially workable).

Usually, you 'possibilitar' an action or a thing for a person. 'O curso possibilitou a ele um emprego' is better than 'O curso possibilitou ele'.

It is a transitive verb, so usually 'possibilitar algo' (no 'a'). However, if you are enabling something *to* someone, it is 'possibilitar algo A alguém'.

Yes, it is used throughout the Lusophone world, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

It is regular: eu possibilitei, você possibilitou, nós possibilitamos, eles possibilitaram.

Technically yes (e.g., 'A falha possibilitou o acidente'), but it is much more frequently used for positive opportunities.

'Tornar possível' is the most common alternative.

It is considered B2 (Upper Intermediate) because of its formal nature and common use with the subjunctive.