potential

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to).
2. (countable, uncountable) The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.
3. (countable, uncountable) The work (energy) required to move a reference particle from a reference location to a specified location in the presence of a force field, for example to bring a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a specified point against an electric field.
4. (countable, uncountable) A verbal construction or form stating something is possible or probable.

Adj

1. (not-comparable) Existing in possibility, not in actuality.
2. (archaic, not-comparable) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result
3. (not-comparable) irrotational
4. (not-comparable) irrotational (see potential flow on Wikipedia)
5. (not-comparable) Referring to a verbal construction of form stating something is possible or probable.

Opposite of

actual, phenomenal, real

Synonyms

possible

latent

capability

ability

prospective

dormant

potentiality

electric potential

potency

contingent

feasable

conceivable

thinkable

voltage

able to

might

opportunity

could have

potential drop

would have

hidden

possibilities

possibility

potential difference

power

capacity

pot

chance

🎲

if

likely

virtual

supposition

would-be

latent faculties

potential capacities

potence

latent capacity

latent force

could happen

could occur

able

ably

aptitude

bit

column

dynamism

eventual

eventuality

feasibility

feasible

Translations

potentiel

potencial

potencial

Potential

potenziale

posible

potencial

éventuel

potentiell

Potenzial

potansiyel

möglich

possible

possibile

eventuale

Pronounced as (IPA)

/pəˈtɛnʃəl/

Etymology

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