potential

The definition of potential is having the power or being capable of happening.

(adjective)

An example of potential is dinner plans that are not yet definite.

Potential is defined as the possibility of becoming something.

(noun)

An example of potential is the highest grades of which a particular student is capable.

See potential in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

that has power; potent
that can, but has not yet, come into being; possible; latent; unrealized; undeveloped
Gram. expressing possibility, capability, power, etc.: the potential mood

Origin: ME potenciall < ML potentialis < L potentia: see potent

noun

something potential; a potentiality
Elec. the difference in voltage between two points in an electric circuit or field
Gram.
1. the potential mood or aspect
2. a construction or form in this mood or aspect
Physics a function whose mathematical derivative is a physical field, as a force or an electric or magnetic field

Related Forms:

See potential in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent: a potential problem.
Having possibility, capability, or power.
Grammar Of, relating to, or being a verbal construction with auxiliaries such as may or can; for example, it may snow.

noun

The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or coming into being.
Something possessing the capacity for growth or development.
Grammar A potential verb form.
Physics The work required to move a unit of positive charge, a magnetic pole, or an amount of mass from a reference point to a designated point in a static electric, magnetic, or gravitational field; potential energy.
See potential difference.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English potencial

Origin: , from Old French potenciel

Origin: , from Late Latin potentiālis, powerful

Origin: , from Latin potentia, power

Origin: , from potēns, potent-

Origin: , present participle of posse, to be able; see potent

Related Forms: