Meaning of potential in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
potential
Definitions
1. expected to become or be
Examples
- « in prospect »
- « potential clients »
- « expected income »
Synonyms
- prospective
Noun
potential
Definitions
1. the inherent capacity for coming into being
2. the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
Qualitative Adjective
potential
Etymology
late Middle English: from late Latin potentialis, from potentia‘power’, from potent-‘being able’ (see potent). The noun dates from the early 19th century
Definitions
1. existing in possibility
Examples
- « a potential problem »
- « possible uses of nuclear power »
Synonyms
- latent
Antonyms
- actual
- existent

Famous quotes

« The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence. »
Confucius
« The message of the free world to any potential Palestinian leadership should be a simple one: Embrace democratic reform and we will embrace you. »
Natan Sharansky
« I remember feeling that technology was like trying to draw with your foot. In a ski boot. It was the most indirect way to work imaginable, but the potential had us all excited. I started in stop motion. »
Chris Wedge
« It is the belief that extremes and excesses of inequality must be reduced so that each person is free to fully develop his or her full potential. This is why we take precious time out of our lives and give it to politics. »
Paul Wellstone
« We shall never be able to remove suspicion and fear as potential causes of war until communication is permitted to flow, free and open, across international boundaries. »
Harry S. Truman