ENGLISH
REFERENCE

potentially

adv.
US //pəˈtɛnʃəɫi// UK //pətˈɛnʃəlˌi// po·ten·tial·ly
  1. 1 possibly (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say that something might happen or be true in the future.

    indicates a possibility that a particular situation will happen or a quality will emerge.

    Example

    The new law could potentially affect thousands of small businesses.

    Example

    While the initial results are promising, researchers warn that the treatment could potentially cause side effects in a small percentage of patients.

    Usage

    Typically placed before the adjective or verb it modifies to indicate future possibility.

Origin

From potential + -ly.

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