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potentiallypossibly but not yet actually; having the capacity to develop into something in the future

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: possibly but not yet actually; having the capacity to develop into something in the future

Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈtenʃəli/

Example Sentences

  • My cat is potentially the laziest creature on Earth, but also potentially plotting world domination.
  • This investment could potentially double your money in five years.
  • Eating pizza for breakfast is potentially unhealthy, but definitely delicious.

potentially

ADVERB

[/pəˈtenʃəli/]

possibly but not yet actually; having the capacity to develop into something in the future

possibly but not yet actually; having the capacity to develop into something in the future
💡 Concept

possibly but not yet actually; having the capacity to develop into something in the future

The abandoned factory site has huge potential for redevelopment.
🧠 Mnemonic

The abandoned factory site has huge potential for redevelopment.

Her potential became essential to the team and eventually made her highly influential.
🎵 Rhyme

Her potential became essential to the team and eventually made her highly influential.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pəˈtenʃəli/
🇬🇧 UK/pəˈtenʃəli/

🌳Etymology

Rootpotent
Suffix--ially

Origin

From Medieval Latin 'potentialis' meaning 'having power or capacity,' derived from Latin 'potentia' (power, ability) and the suffix '-alis' (relating to). The word evolved through Old French before entering Middle English.

Breakdown

potent (having power) + -ial (relating to) + -ly (adverb marker) = potentially

🎵Rhyme

essentiallyentiallysequentially
essentially
entially
sequentially

🔗Collocations

potentially dangerous
potentially harmful
potentially explosive
potentially lucrative
potentially serious
potentially valuable

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cat is potentially the laziest creature on Earth, but also potentially plotting world domination.

This investment could potentially double your money in five years.

😄 Fun example

Eating pizza for breakfast is potentially unhealthy, but definitely delicious.

The new policy could potentially affect millions of people.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

possiblyconceivablypresumablytheoreticallyhypothetically

Antonyms

definitelycertainlyabsolutely

Related

potentialpossibilitylikelihoodprospectcapacity

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