Potentially
/pəˈtɛnʃəli/
Definitions
In a way that could happen, but is not certain.
/pəˈtɛnʃəli/
With the possibility to happen; possibly.
The weather is potentially going to change.
💡 Simply: Like saying something *might* happen. For example, 'It's potentially going to rain' means it *could* rain, but we don't know for sure.
👶 For kids: It means something could happen. Like, 'If you don't eat your veggies, you *potentially* won't grow up big and strong!'
More Examples
The new technology could potentially revolutionize the industry.
Potentially, we could have a problem with the shipment.
The situation is potentially dangerous.
How It's Used
"The project is potentially very successful."
"The new drug could potentially save lives."
"This investment has the potential to yield significant returns."
From 'potential', which comes from the Latin 'potentialis', meaning 'having power or possibility'. The suffix '-ly' turns it into an adverb.
The word's use increased significantly in scientific and technological contexts in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a 'potential' explosion – it *could* happen, but hasn't yet.
Word Origin
"powerful, able"