"Possibility" is something that may happen; "opportunity" is a favorable situation that lets you do something good.
Noun. The condition of something being able to happen, without implying it is good or bad, or that you must take advantage of it.
There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. Bring an umbrella.
Hay posibilidad de lluvia manana. Trae un paraguas.
Is there any possibility that the flight was canceled?
¿Hay alguna posibilidad de que el vuelo fue cancelado?
We discussed the possibilities and chose the best option.
Discutimos las posibilidades y elegimos la mejor opcion.
Noun. A favorable situation or moment that gives you the chance to do or achieve something desirable. Always has a positive connotation.
This job is a great opportunity to grow professionally.
Este trabajo es una gran oportunidad para crecer profesionalmente.
Do not miss this opportunity. It may not come again.
No dejes pasar esta oportunidad. Puede que no vuelva.
She used every opportunity to practice her English.
Ella aprovechaba cada oportunidad para practicar su ingles.
Common mistake
Typical error: "I have the possibility to study in the US" when you mean something positive you want to take advantage of. Correct: "I have the opportunity to study in the US." "Possibility" is neutral; "opportunity" implies it is good and you should or want to take it. Another error: "There is an opportunity of rain." Rain is not a favorable situation. Correct: "There is a possibility of rain."
Trick to remember it
"Possibility" = it may happen (neutral, good or bad). "Opportunity" = I can take advantage of something good (always positive, invites action). If what may happen is a good thing you want to grab, it is almost always an "opportunity". If it is just an option or a risk, it is a "possibility".
Quick rule
Possibility = something that may happen (neutral). Opportunity = favorable situation you can take advantage of.
Did you know?
"Chance" is a third synonym that works in both contexts: "There is a chance of rain." (possibility) and "This is a great chance to learn." (opportunity). It is the most versatile of the three and very common in informal conversation.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Working abroad is a great _____ to improve your language skills.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Is there any _____ that the package will arrive before Christmas?
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Possibility = something that may happen (neutral). Opportunity = favorable situation you can take advantage of.
Typical error: "I have the possibility to study in the US" when you mean something positive you want to take advantage of. Correct: "I have the opportunity to study in the US." "Possibility" is neutral; "opportunity" implies it is good and you should or want to take it. Another error: "There is an opportunity of rain." Rain is not a favorable situation. Correct: "There is a possibility of rain."
"Possibility" = it may happen (neutral, good or bad). "Opportunity" = I can take advantage of something good (always positive, invites action). If what may happen is a good thing you want to grab, it is almost always an "opportunity". If it is just an option or a risk, it is a "possibility".
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy