potential, adjective
po·ten·tial | \ pə-ˈten(t)-shəl \
Definition of potential (Entry 1 of 2)
1: existing in possibility : capable of development into actualitypotential benefits
2: expressing possibilityspecifically : of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in "it may rain")
potential, noun
Definition of potential (Entry 2 of 2)
1a: something that can develop or become actual a potential for violence
b:
PROMISE sense 2
2a: any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated
b: the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question
c:
POTENTIAL DIFFERENCE
Synonyms & Antonyms for potential
Synonyms: Adjective
implicit,
possible
Synonyms: Noun
capability,
eventuality,
possibility,
potentiality,
prospect
Antonyms: Adjective
actual,
existent,
factual,
real
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Choose the Right Synonym for potential
Adjective
LATENT, DORMANT, QUIESCENT, POTENTIAL mean not now showing signs of activity or existence. LATENT applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and develop. a
latent desire for success
DORMANT suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as though sleeping. their passion had lain
dormant QUIESCENT suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. the disease was
quiescent POTENTIAL applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have. a
potential disaster
Did You Know?
Potential can be either good or bad. Studying hard increases the potential for success, but wet roads increase the potential for accidents. But when a person or thing "has potential", we always expect something good from it in the future. As an adjective (as in "potential losses", "potential benefits", etc.), potential usually means simply "possible". In science, however, the adjective has a special meaning: Potential energy is the kind of stored energy that a boulder sitting at the top of a cliff has (the opposite of kinetic energy, which is what it has as it rolls down that cliff).
Examples of potential in a Sentence
Adjective
Doctors are excited about the new drug's
potential benefits. Critics say the factory poses a
potential threat to the environment.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
There are signs that markets and voters alike are growing warier of the
potential for damage — raising the stakes for both parties.—
NBC News, "Trump's China quagmire both an opportunity and cautionary tale for Dems," 13 Sep. 2019In other words, Waller has plenty of breakout
potential this year and gets a prime matchup in Week 2.—
Kevin Hanson, SI.com, "Fantasy Football: Week 2 TE Rankings," 12 Sep. 2019
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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First Known Use of potential
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at
sense 1
Noun
1587, in the meaning defined at
sense 1a
History and Etymology for potential
Adjective
Middle English
potencial, from Late Latin
potentialis, from
potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from
potent-, potens
