B2 adverb ニュートラル

potentially

/pəˈten.ʃəl.i/

Used to describe something that has the possibility of happening or developing in the future, even if it is not currently the case. It indicates a latent capacity, risk, or power that might be realized under certain conditions.

例文

3 / 5
1

This old house is potentially a great investment if we can afford the renovations.

This old house could possibly be a great investment if we can afford the renovations.

2

The proposed legislation could potentially affect millions of citizens across the country.

The proposed law might possibly impact many people across the country.

3

If we leave now, we'll potentially beat the traffic and get there early.

If we go now, we might avoid the traffic and arrive early.

語族

名詞
potentiality
副詞
potentially
形容詞
potential
関連
potential
💡

覚え方のコツ

Think of 'Potential Energy' in science class: it is energy that is stored and *could* do work, but hasn't been released yet.

クイックテスト

The new chemical compound is ___ toxic if handled without proper safety equipment.

正解!

正解は: potentially

例文

1

This old house is potentially a great investment if we can afford the renovations.

everyday

This old house could possibly be a great investment if we can afford the renovations.

2

The proposed legislation could potentially affect millions of citizens across the country.

formal

The proposed law might possibly impact many people across the country.

3

If we leave now, we'll potentially beat the traffic and get there early.

informal

If we go now, we might avoid the traffic and arrive early.

4

The experimental results were potentially influenced by external temperature fluctuations.

academic

The results of the experiment might have been affected by changes in outside temperature.

5

We are potentially looking at a 20% increase in revenue following the merger.

business

We might see a 20% rise in income after the companies join together.

語族

名詞
potentiality
副詞
potentially
形容詞
potential
関連
potential

よく使う組み合わせ

potentially dangerous possibly harmful or risky
potentially harmful having the possibility of causing damage
potentially lucrative having the possibility of making a lot of money
potentially life-changing having the capacity to change one's life significantly
potentially fatal having the possibility of causing death

よく使うフレーズ

potentially hazardous

possibly involving risk or danger

potentially transformative

having the power to cause a major change

potentially explosive

likely to lead to a sudden or violent increase/reaction

よく混同される語

potentially vs possibly

While 'possibly' simply means it might happen, 'potentially' suggests a latent power, capability, or inherent quality that could lead to an outcome.

📝

使い方のコツ

This adverb is highly common in academic and professional writing to 'hedge' or soften a claim. It allows a writer to discuss possibilities without being 100% certain.

⚠️

よくある間違い

Learners often confuse it with 'probably.' Use 'potentially' for something that is possible due to its nature, and 'probably' for something that is very likely to happen.

💡

覚え方のコツ

Think of 'Potential Energy' in science class: it is energy that is stored and *could* do work, but hasn't been released yet.

📖

語源

Derived from the Latin 'potentia', meaning power or force, plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

文法パターン

Usually precedes an adjective (e.g., potentially dangerous) Can modify a verb phrase (e.g., could potentially cause) Often used with modal verbs like 'could', 'might', or 'may'

クイックテスト

The new chemical compound is ___ toxic if handled without proper safety equipment.

正解!

正解は: potentially

関連単語

homovitic

C1

Relating to or characterized by having the same life force, essential vitality, or fundamental biological nature. It is an obscure term used in high-level academic or philosophical contexts to describe entities that share a common living essence.

homosistness

C1

To actively process or adjust diverse elements within a system to ensure they achieve a state of internal uniformity or structural consistency. It involves the standardization of variables to eliminate outliers and maintain a balanced, predictable output.

semichromity

C1

Describing a visual state or quality characterized by partial coloration or muted chromatic intensity. It refers to an appearance that is neither fully monochrome nor fully saturated, often used to describe images or materials with limited color range.

bipathency

C1

The state or quality of having two distinct paths, routes, or channels available for passage or communication. It often refers to a system or anatomical structure where two separate ways are simultaneously open or functional, providing redundancy or dual access.

monoannfy

C1

Characterized by a singular, repetitive annual recurrence that lacks variation or excitement. It describes processes or states that follow an unyielding, once-yearly pattern, often leading to a sense of predictable stagnation.

compathness

C1

To actively harmonize or align individual emotional states and professional trajectories within a group setting. It refers to the process of integrating empathy into a shared strategic path to ensure collective success.

misaudcy

C1

Describing a state or tendency to misinterpret spoken information or auditory cues, often leading to confusion or errors in communication. It characterizes someone who frequently 'slips' when listening or perceives sounds incorrectly.

contrafractward

C1

To shift or move an object or structure in a specific direction intended to counteract or resist an impending fracture or break. It is typically used in technical contexts to describe corrective maneuvering that prevents structural failure.

univerbor

C1

Relating to or characterized by the linguistic process where a phrase or sequence of words becomes a single word over time. It describes the morphological fusion of distinct elements into a unified lexeme, such as 'nevertheless' or 'goodbye'.

foreacrtude

C1

Describing a state of proactive mental sharpness and foresight, specifically used to characterize an individual or strategy that anticipates future challenges with acute precision. It combines the prefix 'fore-' (before) with a root suggesting sharpness or acidity of mind, indicating a high level of preparedness and perceptive planning.

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