- Dictionarypo·ten·tial/pəˈten(t)SHəl/
adjective
- 1. having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future: "a two-pronged campaign to woo potential customers"
noun
- 1. latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness: "a young broadcaster with great potential"
- 2. the quantity determining the energy of mass in a gravitational field or of charge in an electric field: "a change in gravitational potential"
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Potential definition is - existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality. How to use potential in a sentence. Did You Know? Synonym Discussion of potential.
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 an archaic word for potent 1
The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success: an investment with a lot of potential; a singer who has the potential to become a major star. 2.
potential noun [U] (ABILITY) B2 someone's or something's ability to develop, achieve, or succeed: The region has enormous potential for economic development.
potential noun [U] (ABILITY) B2 someone's or something's ability to develop, achieve, or succeed: The region has enormous potential for economic development.
Some common synonyms of potential are dormant, latent, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence," potential applies to what does not yet have existence or effect but is likely soon to have.
- How is the word 'potential' distinct from other similar adjectives?Some common synonyms of potential are dormant, latent, and quiescent. While all these words mean "not now showing signs of activity or existence,"...
- When is it sensible to use 'dormant' instead of 'potential'?The words dormant and potential can be used in similar contexts, but dormant suggests the inactivity of something (such as a feeling or power) as t...
- Where would 'latent' be a reasonable alternative to 'potential'?While the synonyms latent and potential are close in meaning, latent applies to a power or quality that has not yet come forth but may emerge and d...
- In what contexts can 'quiescent' take the place of 'potential'?While in some cases nearly identical to potential, quiescent suggests a usually temporary cessation of activity. // the disease was quiescent
Potential is defined as the possibility of becoming something. An example of potential is the highest grades of which a particular student is capable.