differences - "Not possible" and "Impossible"


When we say,



It is not fair.



or



It is unfair.



I'm not sure enough to say whether both of the sentences have the same meaning or not though superficially, there is no difference between them but if we say,



Something is not possible.



or



Something is impossible.



then there is really an observable difference in my first language. Hence, the question - is there a difference between the preceding two sentences in English?



Answer



To me the only difference is style: one word (unfair) versus two words (not fair). The same for impossible and not possible: both mean cannot be done for some reason or other.


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