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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.

It's how crucial decisions with potential implications for the global order are being debated.

From

Trump’s policy initiatives have also increased the risk of a U.S. recession combined with reaccelerating inflation, limiting the scale of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

From

Here I'll set out this debate – starting with the potential upsides for the region.

From

He also said his department would investigate potential causes.

From

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a reminder to recipients of federal transportation funding that they are expected to follow federal law, including on immigration enforcement, or face potential consequences.

From

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potentatepotential difference