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: potency, capacity

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. Electricity. electric potential ( def 1 ).
5. Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.
6. someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility:

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

potential

/ pəˈtɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. 1. possible but not yet actual
   2. prenominal capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent
2. grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might
3. an archaic word for potent 1

noun

1. latent but unrealized ability or capacity

   Jones has great potential as a sales manager

2. grammar a potential verb or verb form
3. short for electric potential

Derived Forms

• poˈtentially, adverb

Other Words From

• nonpo·tential adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential¹

C14: from Old French potencial, from Late Latin potentiālis, from Latin potentia power

Synonym Study

See latent.

Example Sentences

The new method, called TRISCO, has the potential to transform our understanding of brain function, both in normal conditions and in disease, according to the new study published in Science.

From Science Daily

The UF team plans to explore the tool's potential further, by expanding the assay to include additional invasive species and applications for monitoring ecological restoration outcomes.

From Science Daily

"Our research highlights the therapeutic potential of gut-specific peptides and offers a new, safe alternative to existing pain medications, particularly for those suffering from chronic gut disorders and abdominal pain," explains Muttenthaler.

From Science Daily

Preliminary sequencing shows a potential mutation that could make the virus more transmissible between humans.

From Salon

Adding these together - and allowing for the ability of farming couples to share their allowances - does create a potential for some farming estates to pass on £3m entirely free of inheritance tax.

From BBC

Related Words

• ability
• capability
• capacity
• potentiality
• power