potential

Definition

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

Etymology

From Late Latin potentialis, from Latin potentia (“power”), from potens (“powerful”). By surface analysis, potent + -ial.

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."

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