potential

noun

A currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to).

(physics) The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.

(physics) 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.

(grammar) A verbal construction or form stating something is possible or probable.

adjective

Existing in possibility, not in actuality.

(physics, of a field) irrotational

(physics, of a flow) irrotational (see potential flow on Wikipedia)

(grammar) Referring to a verbal construction of form stating something is possible or probable.

(archaic) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result

Roots

possepot- · Latin · to be able

Synonyms for potential

potentialityn possibleadj possibilitiesn likelyadv potencyn probableadj futuren likelihoodn capabilityn latentadj capacityn abilityn voltagen

Synonyms & related words for potential

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Words related to potential

Explore words related to potential — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include equipotential, prospective, potentially, prospected, prospects, potence, opportunities, untapped. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for potential

Common synonyms for potential include potentiality, possible, possibilities, likely, potency, probable, future, likelihood — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does potential come from?

The word potential breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root pot-, from Latin posse (“to be able”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.