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potential
[ puh-ten-shuhl ]
adjective
- possible, as opposed to actual:
the potential uses of nuclear energy.
- capable of being or becoming:
a potential danger to safety.
- Grammar. expressing possibility:
the potential subjunctive in Latin; the potential use of can in I can go.
- Archaic. potent 1.
noun
- possibility; potentiality:
an investment that has little growth potential.
- a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.
- Grammar.
- a potential aspect, mood, construction, case, etc.
- a form in the potential.
- Electricity. electric potential ( def 1 ).
- Mathematics, Physics. a type of function from which the intensity of a field may be derived, usually by differentiation.
- 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
- possible but not yet actual
- prenominal capable of being or becoming but not yet in existence; latent
- grammar (of a verb or form of a verb) expressing possibility, as English may and might
- See potentan archaic word for potent 1
noun
- latent but unrealized ability or capacity
Jones has great potential as a sales manager
- grammar a potential verb or verb form
- short for electric potential
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Derived Forms
- poˈtentially, adverb
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Other Words From
- nonpo·tential adjective noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of potential1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of potential1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
The eating disorder field remains divided over the potential efficacy of such measures.
But, as the people of Irving are now discovering, all of this poking and prodding is not without potential consequences.
First, they allow Paul to siphon off attention from whichever potential candidate is making news.
The brokers then scout out potential “crew members” who can earn substantial discounts for working the journey.
Is there any chance the potential 2016 hopeful will stand up to the right and embrace paid sick leave?
Thus, Virginia is well-endowed geographically and has many potential resources for future progress.
Then as a thin cloud of dust billowed up from the fallen rocks, a vision of its war potential burst upon him.
The crowd parted on either side, silenced and awed by the look of potential purpose in the face of this yesterday's hero.
Equilibrium will be established whenever the potential of the system is equal to 0.
Only the attorney who wraps the case around his heart can appreciate its vast potential.
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