potentially

[ puh-ten-shuh-lee ]

adverb

1. possibly but not yet actually:

   potentially useful information.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potentially¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; potential + -ly

Example Sentences

Having an attorney general with so much potentially compromising dirt on him could be an asset, it being hard to say “no” to someone would could arguably ruin you.

From Salon

Economists have warned that such tariffs could drive up consumer prices as companies pass on higher costs, potentially worsening inflation and putting further interest rate cuts on hold.

From Salon

The authority said, alongside the cost concerns, it believed falling birth rates across Suffolk and nationally meant there could be too few students attending in the future, potentially making a new school "financially unsustainable."

From BBC

All of these factors make forecasting this zone of potentially disruptive snow very tricky - and this uncertainty is likely to stay in weather forecasts until the day before any snow is due to hit.

From BBC

He told BBC Scotland News he took "no pleasure" from potentially competing with Nicoll for selection but that it was for members to decide an outcome.

From BBC

Related Words

• likely
• possibly
• probably