il più possibile
Lemma: il più possibile
Translation: as much as possible; to the greatest extent possible; as far as possible (adverbial phrase)
Etymology: This Italian adverbial phrase combines 'il' (the), 'più' (more/most, from Latin 'plus'), and 'possibile' (possible, from Latin 'possibilis', derived from 'posse' meaning 'to be able'). The construction literally means 'the most possible' and functions similarly to the English 'as much as possible'.
Example Usage
Cerca di arrivare il più possibile in anticipo.
Try to arrive as early as possible.
Voglio risparmiare il più possibile per le vacanze.
I want to save as much as possible for vacation.
Dobbiamo essere il più possibile precisi con questi calcoli.
We need to be as precise as possible with these calculations.
Tieni la casa il più possibile pulita.
Keep the house as clean as possible.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'più' (more) + 'possibile' (possible) = doing something to the maximum possible extent
- Remember that 'il più' means 'the most' in Italian, so this phrase literally means 'the most possible'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Italian conversation and writing when encouraging maximum effort or describing something done to its fullest extent. It's a standard way to express the concept of maximizing an action or quality.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'il più possibile' means 'as much as possible' (quantity or degree), 'il meglio possibile' means 'as well as possible' (quality).
This word:
Mangia il più possibile di frutta e verdura.
Eat as much fruit and vegetables as possible.
Notes: Both phrases express maximizing something, but 'il più possibile' focuses on extent or amount, while 'il meglio possibile' focuses on quality or manner.
Mnemonic: 'Più' relates to quantity/amount, while 'meglio' relates to quality/manner.