potential
pəˈtɛnʃəl
Definition Synonyms

Definition of potential - Reverso English Dictionary

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Noun

1.
abilityunrealized ability or capacity for future success
  • She has the potential to be a great leader.
capability potentiality
2.
possibilitythe possibility of something happening
  • The potential for error was high in such complex operations..
capability capacity prospect
3.
electricityTECH.difference in electrical charge between two pointsTECH.
  • The potential is measured in volts.
electric potential voltage

Adjective

future possibilityable to become real or develop if conditions are right
  • This student has potential to be a great artist.
latent possible prospective
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Expressions with potential

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reach the highest level of ability or talent possible
She worked hard to achieve her full potential.
reach the highest level of ability possible
She worked hard to achieve her potential.
achieve the best you are capable of
She worked hard to realize her potential.
using all of one's ability or skill
She performed to her full potential in the competition.
likelihood that a product or idea can earn money in markets
Investors were attracted by the commercial potential of the new app.
ability of someone or something to grow improve or advance in future
The manager saw great development potential in the new software platform.

Origin of potential

Latin, potentia (power) + -al (related to)

Terms with potential included in their meaning

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couldaux.v.
possibility
expressing possibility or potential
potential
that may exist or happen
safety
be alert to potential danger or problems
brightadj.
future
full of promise or potential
anxious
experiencing anxiety about potential danger
potential
showing signs of future success or improvement
defense
defended against potential threats or attacks
danger
proceeding despite potential danger or harm

Examples of potential in a sentence

  • His potential in mathematics was evident from a young age.
  • The potential for growth is immense.
  • We must assess the potential of this investment.
  • The potential between the terminals was too high.
  • Engineers calculated the potential across the circuit.
  • Her potential as a scientist became apparent.

View all translations of potential

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:potentiel, éventuel, ...
  2. German:Potenzial, potenziell, ...
  3. Italian:potenziale, in potenza, ...
  4. Spanish:potencial, posible, ...
  5. Portuguese:potencial, promissor, ...
  6. Chinese:潜力, 潜在的, ...
  7. Japanese:可能性, 潜在的な, ...
  8. Arabic:إِمْكَانِيَّة, مُحتَمَل, ...
  9. Hebrew:פּוֹטֶנְצְיָאל, פּוֹטֶנְצִיאַלִי, ...
  10. Russian:потенциал, потенциальный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:потенціал, потенційний, ...
  12. Hindi:क्षमता, संभावित, ...
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