potent
POHTNT
Potent (adj) means having great power, strength, or effect. Example: “The venom is potent enough to kill an adult in minutes.”
adj
1
Having great power, strength, or effect.
"The venom is potent enough to kill an adult in minutes."
"It was a potent reminder of how fragile the economy is."
"This potent herbal tea should only be taken in very small amounts."
How to use potent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrong and effective — describing anything from a drug to an argument to a smell.
Common pairings
potent mixture
potent symbol
potent drug
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Word forms
- Plural
- potents
- Comparative
- more potent
- Superlative
- most potent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The venom is _____ enough to kill an adult in minutes.
Etymology
From Latin potens ('powerful'), the present participle of posse ('to be able').
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for potent
See all rhymes for potent →Frequently asked questions
What does “potent” mean?
The word “potent” means having great power, strength, or effect. In plain terms, strong and effective — describing anything from a drug to an argument to a smell.
How do you pronounce “potent”?
“Potent” is pronounced POHTNT (/ˈpoʊt(ə)nt/ in IPA).
How do you use “potent” in a sentence?
Here is “potent” used in a sentence: “The venom is potent enough to kill an adult in minutes.”
What is the opposite of “potent”?
The opposite of “potent” — its antonyms — are impotent and counterpotent.
What part of speech is “potent”?
“Potent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “potent” come from?
The word “potent” comes from Latin. From Latin potens ('powerful'), the present participle of posse ('to be able').
Is “potent” a common word?
“Potent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between potent and powerful?
Potent often describes something with a concentrated or intense effect, such as a potent medicine or potent argument, while powerful is a broader term that can describe physical strength, influence, or force in general. Potent is frequently used for substances, remedies, and arguments where effect or strength of impact matters.
What kinds of things are commonly described as potent?
Potent is commonly used for drugs, chemicals, alcohol, symbols, and arguments, all cases where the word emphasizes a strong or concentrated effect. It can apply to both physical substances and abstract things like emotions or ideas.
Can potent describe people?
Yes, potent can describe a person's influence or presence, such as a potent political force, meaning someone whose actions or words have a great effect.
