potentially

IPA/pəˈtenʃəli/
KK[pətˈɛnʃəli]IPA/pəˈtenʃəli/

potentially — adverb

1. in a way that shows something could happen or become real later, even though it

1.adverbB2
Definition

in a way that shows something could happen or become real later, even though it has not happened yet.

Example

A small kitchen fire can potentially spread through the whole building.

modal pattern: can potentially + verb

This new inhaler is potentially useful for children who wheeze at night.

be + potentially + adjective

Common collocations
  • potentially dangerous
  • potentially useful
  • could potentially delay
  • could potentially become
Synonyms
  • possibly

    the closest everyday choice, but it does not stress future development as clearly

  • perhaps

    broader and often used to comment on a whole statement

  • conceivably

    more formal and often suggests a more distant chance

  • maybe

    common in speech, but less natural in formal risk or benefit statements

Antonyms
  • certainly

    shows confidence that something is true or will happen

  • definitely

    sounds even firmer and leaves little doubt

Grammar Patterns

could potentially + verb

be potentially + adjective

potentially become + noun

Usage Note

Often modifies an adjective or participle, as in 'potentially dangerous' or 'potentially useful', or follows a modal verb, as in 'could potentially delay'. It usually points to a risk, benefit, or future result that is not real yet.

Common Mistakes

The station is potentially closed now.
The station may be closed now.
'potentially' usually suggests a possible result or quality, not simple uncertainty about a present fact.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

'Potentially' often suggests more than simple uncertainty. It is especially useful when something could develop into a result, risk, or benefit later: 'a potentially dangerous crack' or 'a plan that could potentially work'. 'Possibly' is the closest everyday alternative, but it is broader and does not point to future development as strongly. 'Perhaps' is also broad and often comments on a whole statement. 'Conceivably' is more formal and can sound more remote. 'Theoretically' means something is possible in principle, even if real life may stop it. Compare: 'The storm could potentially delay the game' sounds practical and likely enough to matter, while 'The storm could conceivably delay the game' feels more distant.

possibly ↗perhaps ↗conceivably ↗theoretically ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • potentially dangerous
  • potentially useful
  • could potentially delay
  • could potentially become

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

'Potentially' was built in English by adding the adverb ending '-ly' to 'potential'. 'Potential' came through French from Latin words linked to power and ability, so the adverb developed the sense of something that could happen or could become real later.