potential

Definitions

potent (powerful, able) + -ial (relating to) = 'relating to latent power.' Potential is the power that could act but hasn't yet — the gap between being able and actually doing. As a noun it names that stored capacity (untapped potential); as an adjective it labels anything that could become real (a potential buyer).

Why It Means This

The same core idea — latent, not-yet-released power — runs through every use. Physics made it literal with 'potential energy': a boulder at the top of a hill has the power to roll, stored and waiting. Everyday English keeps the metaphor: a person's potential is power waiting to be used, and a potential disaster is one whose force hasn't struck yet.

Common Collocations

• 1.potential energy势能
• 2.untapped potential未开发的潜力
• 3.reach one's potential发挥潜力
• 4.potential customer潜在客户
• 5.huge potential巨大的潜力

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The coach saw enormous potential in the young player.

• 2.

  Solar power has the potential to replace fossil fuels.

• 3.

  We interviewed three potential candidates for the job.

• 4.

  Engineers measured the electric potential across the circuit.

Easily Confused

potential vs possible — both point to something not yet real, but potential emphasizes capacity to develop (a potential leader = could grow into one), while possible just means it might happen (a possible delay). A potential customer has the makings of a buyer; a possible outcome is simply one of several that might occur.

Synonym Comparison