Potential

/pəˈtɛnʃəl/ · noun

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. A currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to).
2. (physics) The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.
3. (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.
4. (grammar) A verbal construction or form stating something is possible or probable.
5. Existing in possibility, not in actuality.
6. (archaic) Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result
7. (physics, of a field) irrotational
8. (physics, of a flow) irrotational (see potential flow on Wikipedia)

Example Sentences

Even from a young age it was clear that she had the potential to become a great musician.

Comrades, our own fleet doesn't know our full potential. They will do everything possible to test us, but they will only test their own embarrassment.

With some technical improvement, I could see how the process of imitating my work would soon become fast and streamlined, and the many dark potentials bubbled to the forefront of my mind.

The heroic man,—and is not every man, God be thanked, a potential hero?—has to do so, in all times and circumstances.

And hath, in his effect, a voice potential

From Maxwell equations (6.20) it follows that the electric field is potential: E(r) = −gradφ(r).

The non-viscous flow of the vacuum should be potential (irrotational).

Synonyms for potential

Antonyms for potential

Related Words

Word Forms

• potentials

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions