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WordBand 4.5–5.5Core (NGSL)
potential
/pəˈtɛnʃəl/
noun1 of 2
capable of happening or becoming reality
- “Wells and potentially dangerous water areas should be fenced off.”Tatoeba
- “This discovery has the potential to radically change the field.”Tatoeba
Sentences from Tatoeba show real usage. A word can have several meanings, so a sentence may use another one.
adjective2 of 2
Existing in possibility, not in actuality.
Synonyms
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More in Academic writing →
pivotaladjectiveOf great importance because everything else depends on it.
dwindleverbTo become smaller or fewer, little by little.
abruptadjectiveSudden and unexpected, often too quick.
integritynounBeing honest and having strong moral principles.
fluctuateverbTo keep rising and falling in an irregular way.
juxtaposeverbTo place two things side by side to show how they differ.
pinnaclenounThe highest point of success or achievement.
rebuttalnounAn answer that argues against a claim with evidence.
Source: New General Service List (Browne, Culligan & Phillips) (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0); Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR)