potential
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the natural ability or quality that could make someone or something successful in the future.
n.the inherent capacity for growth, development, or future success. Often used with the preposition 'for' or followed by an infinitive.
Simple“The young teacher saw great potential in her students and encouraged them to study hard.”
In context“The venture capitalists recognised the startup's potential for market disruption, despite its currently modest revenue streams.”
UsageCommonly used in the patterns 'potential for' or 'potential to'.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the amount of energy a particle has because of its position, like electricity or gravity.
n.the quantity of energy per unit of charge or mass at a given point in a field, such as an electric or gravitational field.
Simple“The battery has a high electrical potential that powers the entire device.”
In context“In this experiment, we must calculate the gravitational potential at various distances from the planet's surface to determine the escape velocity.”
UsageOften functions as an uncountable noun in technical contexts.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describing something that might happen or exist, even if it is not real yet.
adj.existing in possibility rather than actuality; describing a latent state that may be realised.
Simple“The manager interviewed several potential candidates for the new job opening.”
In context“The city council identified several potential sites for the new library, though a final decision depends on the upcoming budget review.”
UsageAlmost always used as an attributive adjective, appearing before the noun it modifies.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.relating to a verb form that shows something is possible.
adj.referring to a mood or verbal construction that expresses possibility or capability.
Simple“In some languages, a potential form of the verb is used to say 'I can go'.”
In context“The linguist analysed the potential mood in the text to determine how the author expressed hypothetical outcomes.”
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialised linguistic term; general learners will rarely encounter it outside of advanced grammar studies.
Usage potential new · potential to improve · potential benefits
“Though the extended World Cup run also means Hansi Flick will have to handle potential burnout, Barca’s youthful roster should be resilient.”
“The National Trust, which runs Wallington, said it hoped to expand the potential habitat for the moth.”
From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.