Are Possums and Opossums the Same?

Both possum and opossum correctly refer to the Virginia opossum frequently seen in North America. In common use, possum is the usual term; in technical or scientific contexts opossum is preferred. Opossum can be pronounced with its first syllable either voiced or silent. So cute.

Is the O silent in the word opossum?

The O in "opossum" is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter, just like the H in the word "honest." The articles "a" and "an" are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.

How closely related are possums and opossums?

Here's a tip: Opossums and possums are different animals. Opossums live in North and South America, while possums live in Australia and other countries. Both animals are marsupials, but possums are more closely related to kangaroos.