What Does “Potentially” Mean?
The adverb potentially means “possibly” or “in a way that can become real under the right conditions.” It is derived from the adjective potential, which refers to something that is capable of happening or developing.
Common Phrases with “Potentially”
potentially dangerous– could become dangerouspotentially harmful– might cause harmpotentially useful– may be helpful in the futurepotentially life-changing– capable of significantly altering one’s lifepotentially confusing– might be hard to understand
Example Sentences
- This new technology is potentially revolutionary.
- The chemical is potentially toxic if ingested.
- She’s potentially the best candidate for the job.
- That decision could be potentially costly.
Tips for Using “Potentially”
- Use potentially before adjectives to express possibility.
- Avoid overusing it; sometimes simpler words like “possibly” or “maybe” are clearer.
- It often appears in formal or academic writing to indicate cautious speculation.