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

That act pushed the fading star into performing even though he was nervous that the special could potentially further jeopardize his career.

From Salon

This had all the signs of a potentially troubling evening for England given their own recent indifferent displays, the noise around Carsley and the increasing questions about why Tuchel was delaying his arrival until 1 January.

From BBC

The specter of his most potentially incendiary plans were, after all, why the global markets briefly collapsed following the 2016 election.

From Slate

He said that by seeking cheap or free milk online, parents risked feeding their babies a product "potentially laden with bacteria".

From BBC

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

Related Words

• likely
• possibly
• probably