C1 adjective Neutral

potential

/pəˈtenʃl/

Describes something that is currently latent or possible but has not yet been realized or manifested. It refers to qualities or abilities that may develop into something significant in the future given the right conditions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We should consider the potential risks before we decide to buy that old house.

We should consider the possible future risks before we decide to buy that old house.

2

The committee must evaluate the potential implications of the new policy on local communities.

The committee must evaluate the likely future effects of the new policy on local communities.

3

Watch out, that broken branch is a potential hazard for anyone walking by.

Watch out, that broken branch is a possible future danger for anyone walking by.

Word Family

Noun
potentiality
Adverb
potentially
Adjective
potential
Related
potency
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Memory Tip

Think of a 'pot' of water on a cold stove. It has the 'potential' to boil, but it needs the heat of action to make it happen.

Quick Quiz

The investors are looking for startups with high ___ for global expansion.

Correct!

The correct answer is: potential

Examples

1

We should consider the potential risks before we decide to buy that old house.

everyday

We should consider the possible future risks before we decide to buy that old house.

2

The committee must evaluate the potential implications of the new policy on local communities.

formal

The committee must evaluate the likely future effects of the new policy on local communities.

3

Watch out, that broken branch is a potential hazard for anyone walking by.

informal

Watch out, that broken branch is a possible future danger for anyone walking by.

4

Further research is required to explore the potential impact of soil salinity on crop yields.

academic

Further research is required to explore the latent or possible impact of soil salinity on crop yields.

5

Our marketing strategy targets potential customers who have shown interest in sustainable products.

business

Our marketing strategy targets prospective customers who have shown interest in sustainable products.

Word Family

Noun
potentiality
Adverb
potentially
Adjective
potential
Related
potency

Common Collocations

potential threat a possible danger that might happen
potential benefit a possible advantage that could be gained
potential candidate someone who might be suitable for a role
potential source a possible place where something originates
potential conflict a situation that might turn into a disagreement

Common Phrases

reach one's full potential

to achieve everything that one is capable of

untapped potential

abilities or resources that have not yet been used

potential for growth

the possibility of increasing in size or value

Often Confused With

potential vs possible

'Possible' simply means something can happen, while 'potential' implies a latent power or capacity for development.

potential vs potent

'Potent' means powerful or effective in the present, whereas 'potential' refers to power that is not yet active.

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Usage Notes

As an adjective, 'potential' always precedes the noun it modifies. It is heavily used in academic writing to discuss hypotheses or theoretical outcomes.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use the adverb 'potentially' when the adjective 'potential' is required before a noun, or they confuse it with the noun form which refers to a person's inherent ability.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pot' of water on a cold stove. It has the 'potential' to boil, but it needs the heat of action to make it happen.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Late Latin 'potentialis', from Latin 'potentia' meaning 'power' or 'force'.

Grammar Patterns

Attributive adjective: always used before a noun (e.g., 'potential problem'). Modified by adverbs of degree: 'highly potential' or 'extremely potential'.
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, especially in education and business, identifying and nurturing 'potential' is seen as a vital path to success.

Quick Quiz

The investors are looking for startups with high ___ for global expansion.

Correct!

The correct answer is: potential

Related Phrases

Related Words

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

computer

C1

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

design

C1

A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

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