potential

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the inherent capacity for coming into being
noun the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts
adjective existing in possibility

From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.

"K-ring excitation potential for mercury. — The Ultimate Weapon, John W., Jr. (John Wood) Campbell
The potential is that which becomes real through a dynamic process. — Leibniz's New Essays Concerning the Human Understanding: A Critical Exposition, John Dewey
He exploited the fact I was part Japanese, that I understand the potential this country has. — The Samurai Strategy, Thomas Hoover

potentiality, potency

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning