potential
potential
Pronunciation
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "potential" with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
pəˈtɛnʃəl (most common pronunciation)
Breakdown by syllable:
po (ʊ) (US) / pə (UK): Unstressed vowel sound. "puh" sound in both US and UK. US English might use a slightly rounded "uh" sound.
ˈtɛn: Stressed syllable. "TEN" sound with a long "e".
ʃəl: "shuhl" sound.
Word Form Variations
The word "potential" has several variations depending on its part of speech:
Adjective: potential (Singular and plural)
Noun: potential (singular and plural)
Adverb: potentially
While "potential" can be used as both a singular and plural noun, it typically refers to a singular concept like "potential for growth" or "hidden potential."
Here are some additional variations, though less common:
Potentiality (noun): This is a less frequent synonym for "potential" with a slightly more formal tone.
Potential difference (noun): This term has a specific meaning in physics referring to the difference in electric potential between two points.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition:
The inherent capacity or ability to develop or achieve something.
A possibility that something might happen or exist.
Synonyms: potentiality (less common), capability, aptitude, talent, promise, capacity, possibility, prospect
Antonyms: limitation, incapability, weakness, deficiency, improbability
Adjective:
Definition:
Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
Possible but not yet actual.
Synonyms: possible, latent, undeveloped, promising, budding, nascent (formal)
Antonyms: actual, realized, developed, limited, unlikely
Adverb (rare):
Definition: In a way that is possible but not yet certain.
Synonyms: potentially (more common), possibly
Antonyms: definitely, certainly
Note: The adverb form "potentially" is less common than the adjective form used in an adverbial way (e.g., "This situation is potentially dangerous").
Examples of Use
Noun:
Book: "J.K. Rowling saw the potential in the manuscript and offered to publish Harry Potter." ( Hypothetical example)
Newspaper: "Scientists are studying the potential of using gene editing to fight diseases." (The New York Times, Science Section) [Newspapers often reference potential solutions or applications]
Adjective:
Online Publication: "[Article title] Tips to Unlock Your Child's Potential" (Website about parenting)
Entertainment (Movie): "The young Jedi had a strong potential for greatness in the Force." (Star Wars)
Entertainment (Music): "The band's new single has potential to be a summer hit." (Music review)
Adverb (rare):
Public Discourse: "The new technology is potentially life-changing, but further research is needed." (Public official addressing a new invention)
General Public Discourse:
"She has the potential to become a CEO someday." (Talking about someone's career prospects)
"There's a potential for rain showers this afternoon." (Weather forecast)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Potential
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." - Jimmy Johnson (motivational quote)
"Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another." - Vince Lombardi (achievement quote)
"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." - John D. Rockefeller (potential vs. achievement quote)
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela (potential of education quote)
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (potential and choice quote)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt (potential and dreams quote)
"The key to unlocking our potential is understanding ourselves." - Tony Robbins (self-knowledge and potential quote)
"You don't drown by falling in the water, you drown by staying there." - Ed Foreman (potential and overcoming challenges quote)
"Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential." - Winston Churchill (effort and potential quote)
"The only limit to our realisation of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt (potential and limiting beliefs quote)
Etymology
The word "potential" is like a family tree with Latin as its root.
The Latin word "potens" means "powerful" or "able."
From "potens" came another Latin word, "potentia," which meant "power" or "ability."
Think of "potentia" as the trunk of the family tree.
Around the 14th century, English borrowed "potentia" and changed it a bit to make it sound more English-like. This is how we got "potential."
The first time "potential" showed up in English, it meant pretty much the same thing as its Latin ancestor: "power" or "ability." Over time, the meaning shifted slightly to focus on the idea of something that has the ability to develop into something else in the future.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Potential
Phrases:
Reach/realise one's full potential: To achieve everything you're capable of.
Unlock one's potential: To discover and develop your hidden abilities.
Show potential: To indicate talent or promise for future success.
Harness one's potential: To use your skills and abilities effectively.
Tap into one's potential: To begin to use your hidden abilities.
Live up to one's potential: To achieve what you're capable of.
Have the potential for: To be capable of becoming or doing something.
Idioms:
A diamond in the rough: Someone with hidden talent or potential waiting to be developed.
An accident waiting to happen: A situation with a high potential for disaster.
Untapped potential: Hidden abilities or resources that haven't been used yet.
Reach one's full potential: To achieve everything you're capable of.
Full of potential: Having a lot of promise for future success.
Not be fulfilling one's potential: Not using your skills and abilities to the best of your ability.
Posts Related to Potential
Source Information
Definition of potential from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
