potential
/pəˈtenʃl/ (bre, ipa) · /pəˈtenʃl/ (ame, ipa) · /pə-ˈten(t)-shəl/ (ame, mw) · /pəˈten.ʃəl/ (bre, ipa) · /poʊˈten.ʃəl/ (ame, ipa)
potential — adjective
- potentialpositive
- more potentialcomparative
- most potentialsuperlative
1. not real yet, but able to appear, happen, or grow later if the right conditions
not real yet, but able to appear, happen, or grow later if the right conditions are there
A loose wire is a potential fire risk in the old kitchen.
collocation: potential risk
The coach sees Mei as a potential champion after two strong races.
potential + noun for future development
Several potential buyers visited the farm before noon on Saturday.
Dark clouds are a potential problem for tonight's outdoor concert.
The empty lot is a potential site for a new library.
- possible
is wider and only says something can happen, without the idea of future development
- prospective
is more formal and is especially common for future buyers, students, or employees
- latent
is more formal and suggests something already exists in a hidden form
- promising
adds a positive idea that early signs of success are already visible
- actual
describes something that is already real, not only possible
文法句型
potential + noun
potential for + noun
用法筆記
Usually used before a noun, especially for risks, buyers, problems, or future roles. Distinguish from noun/1, which names the ability to grow or succeed rather than the person or thing itself.
常見錯誤
potential — noun
1. a person's or thing's natural chance or ability to improve, do well, or become s
a person's or thing's natural chance or ability to improve, do well, or become successful later
Leila has the potential to lead the team one day.
pattern: have the potential to + verb
This small shop has potential if the owner fixes the front window.
pattern: have potential
The young singer showed real potential at the school concert.
Good teachers help shy children reach their full potential.
The land has potential for fruit trees and a small cafe.
- promise
often suggests early signs that success is likely
- talent
focuses more on natural skill, especially in a person
- capability
is broader and can describe present ability as well as future growth
- prospects
usually refers to the chances of success in a situation, business, or career
- limitations
refers to things that hold back growth or success
文法句型
have potential
have the potential to + verb
show potential
reach your full potential
用法筆記
Often follows have, show, or reach and can refer to people, land, ideas, or businesses. Distinguish from adjective/1, which describes something as only possible or future, not the ability itself.
常見錯誤
2. the electrical potential energy per unit of charge at a point, or the difference
the electrical potential energy per unit of charge at a point, or the difference in it between two points, usually measured in volts
The meter showed a higher potential at the red wire.
technical use in a circuit
In class, Ms. Lin compared the potential difference across two torch batteries.
collocation: potential difference
Engineers kept the metal case at zero potential for safety.
Students measured the potential at each end of the coil.
- voltage
is the common practical term, especially for potential difference in a circuit
- potential difference
is more exact when you mean the difference in electric potential between two points
- electric potential
is the full technical term often used in textbooks
文法句型
electric potential
potential difference
high potential
measured in volts
用法筆記
Usually appears in technical phrases such as electric potential and potential difference, especially in science classes and engineering texts.