Word
potentially
Phoneticspo·ten·tial·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pəˈtɛnʃəɫi/
UK/pətˈɛnʃəlˌi/
Sentence adverb
Definition
adv. used to say that something might happen or be true in the future.
adv. indicates a possibility that a particular situation will happen or a quality will emerge.
Examples
“This new law could potentially change how we live.”
“The scientists warned that the melting ice could potentially lead to a significant rise in sea levels.”
“While the merger is potentially lucrative for shareholders, it remains fraught with regulatory hurdles that could delay the final acquisition for several months.”
Examples
simple
“This new law could potentially change how we live.”
contextual
“The scientists warned that the melting ice could potentially lead to a significant rise in sea levels.”
complex
“While the merger is potentially lucrative for shareholders, it remains fraught with regulatory hurdles that could delay the final acquisition for several months.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “potentially” in context.
Verb
01. potentially cause
“Extreme weather conditions can potentially cause significant delays to public transport.”
adv + verb
02. potentially confound
“Unexpected variables could potentially confound the results of the scientific study.”
adv + verb
03. potentially explain
“This new evidence could potentially explain why the experiment failed the first time.”
adv + verb
Adjective
04. potentially beneficial
“The new trade agreement is potentially beneficial for small business owners.”
adv + adj
05. potentially effective
“Scientists are testing a potentially effective vaccine against the new virus strain.”
adv + adj
06. potentially harmful
“Parents are warned to keep potentially harmful chemicals out of reach of children.”
adv + adj
07. potentially problematic
“The lack of clear communication in the team is potentially problematic for the project.”
adv + adj
08. potentially relevant
“Please provide any potentially relevant documents that might help with the investigation.”
adv + adj
09. potentially valuable
“The antique vase found in the attic turned out to be a potentially valuable artifact.”
adv + adj
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective or verb it modifies to indicate future possibility.
Real-World Examples
“The account history of these profiles, coupled with their posts and followers, indicated that most were being run from Morocco while a few were potentially based in Spain or Italy.” “Lake Mead’s water levels are down by two-thirds, potentially impacting supplies of water and energy for millions across the western United States.” “They allowed offenders to be detained for a potentially unlimited period until they could prove that they were no longer a threat to the public.” “Unlike injectable drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, aleniglipron is a small molecule that can be taken once daily with or without food and could potentially be produced more easily at scale.” Etymology
From potential + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/potentially