potential
/pəˈtenʃl/ (bre, ipa) · /pəˈtenʃl/ (ame, ipa) · /pə-ˈten(t)-shəl/ (ame, mw) · /pəˈten.ʃəl/ (bre, ipa) · /poʊˈten.ʃəl/ (ame, ipa)
potential — 形容詞
- potentialpositive
- more potentialcomparative
- most potentialsuperlative
1. not real yet, but able to appear, happen, or grow later if the right conditions
潛在的
可能出現或日後可發展的
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.
老舊廚房裡鬆動的電線，是潛在的火災風險。
collocation: potential risk
The coach sees Mei as a potential champion after two strong races.
教練在兩場表現出色的比賽後，認為 Mei 是潛在冠軍。
potential + noun for future development
Several potential buyers visited the farm before noon on Saturday.
幾位潛在買家在週六中午前參觀了那座農場。
Dark clouds are a potential problem for tonight's outdoor concert.
烏雲是今晚戶外音樂會的潛在問題。
The empty lot is a potential site for a new library.
那塊空地是新圖書館的潛在用地。
- 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 — 名詞
1. a person's or thing's natural chance or ability to improve, do well, or become s
潛力
未來可發展或成功的能力
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.
Leila 將來有潛力帶領這個團隊。
pattern: have the potential to + verb
This small shop has potential if the owner fixes the front window.
這家小店如果把前窗修好，就很有潛力。
pattern: have potential
The young singer showed real potential at the school concert.
那位年輕歌手在學校音樂會上展現出真正的潛力。
Good teachers help shy children reach their full potential.
好老師會幫害羞的孩子發揮全部潛力。
The land has potential for fruit trees and a small cafe.
這塊地很有潛力拿來種果樹，也能開一間小咖啡館。
- 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
電位；電勢
某點的電位，或兩點間的電位差
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.
儀表顯示紅色電線那一端的電位較高。
technical use in a circuit
In class, Ms. Lin compared the potential difference across two torch batteries.
課堂上，Lin 老師比較了兩顆手電筒電池的電位差。
collocation: potential difference
Engineers kept the metal case at zero potential for safety.
工程師為了安全，讓金屬外殼維持在零電位。
Students measured the potential at each end of the coil.
學生測量了線圈每一端的電位。
- 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.