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View synonyms for

potential

[ puh-ten-shuhl ]

adjective

  1. possible, as opposed to actual:

    the potential uses of nuclear energy.

  2. capable of being or becoming:

    a potential danger to safety.

  3. Grammar. expressing possibility:

    the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.

  4. Archaic. potent 1.


noun

  1. possibility; potentiality:

    an investment that has little growth potential.

    Synonyms: ,

  2. a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.
  3. Grammar.
    1. a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.
    2. a form in the potential.
  4. Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.
  5. someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility:

    The list of job applications has been narrowed to half a dozen potentials.

potential

/ əˈɛʃə /

adjective

    1. possible but not yet actual
    2. prenominal capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent
  1. grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might
  2. an archaic word for potent 1
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. latent but unrealized ability or capacity

    Jones has great potential as a sales manager

  2. grammar a potential verb or verb form
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٱԳپ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • ԴDzp·ٱt adjective noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of potential1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English potencial (from Old French ), from Late Latin dzٱԳپ. See potency, -al 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of potential1

C14: from Old French potencial, from Late Latin dzٱԳپ, from Latin potentia power
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Synonym Study

See latent.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Trump has delivered a dramatic fall in the number of migrants crossing illegally into the US, but the economy is a potential political vulnerability as he wages a global trade war.

From

SSE says it has already amended its designs to minimise any potential risks to Scottish seabirds.

From

Axios reports that Trump's advisers are preparing for a potential third impeachment of the president and strategizing ways to pass key agenda items before a congressional trial gums up the works.

From

"Net zero is the economic opportunity of the 21st century, one that has the potential to reignite our industrial heartlands, create good jobs for the future and lower bills in the long term."

From

He told the jury that during the case they would hear evidence from psychiatrists about the defendant's mental condition at the time, and the "potential impact on his state of mind and actions".

From

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potentatepotential difference