potentially
puh-TEHNSH-lee
Potentially (adv) means Possibly, in a way that could happen. Example: “The delay could potentially push the launch into next year.”
adv
1
Possibly, in a way that could happen.
"The delay could potentially push the launch into next year."
"Ignoring the symptoms could potentially be dangerous."
"This new rule could potentially save the school a lot of time."
How to use potentially
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to say something might happen, without guaranteeing it will.
Common pairings
potentially dangerous
potentially harmful
potentially useful
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more potentially
- Superlative
- most potentially
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The delay could _____ push the launch into next year.
Etymology
Formed from potential plus the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for potentially
See all rhymes for potentially →Frequently asked questions
What does “potentially” mean?
The word “potentially” means possibly, in a way that could happen. In plain terms, used to say something might happen, without guaranteeing it will.
How do you pronounce “potentially”?
“Potentially” is pronounced puh-TEHNSH-lee (/pəˈtɛnʃ(ə)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “potentially” in a sentence?
Here is “potentially” used in a sentence: “The delay could potentially push the launch into next year.”
What part of speech is “potentially”?
“Potentially” is an adverb.
Is “potentially” a common word?
“Potentially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between potentially and possibly?
"Possibly" expresses uncertainty about whether something is true or will happen: "He is possibly the best candidate." "Potentially" points to a capacity that could develop or be realised: "a potentially dangerous chemical" is one capable of becoming dangerous. Use "possibly" for maybe-facts and "potentially" for latent capability.
Is could potentially redundant?
Usually, yes. "Could" already signals that something might happen, so "the plan could potentially fail" says the same thing as "the plan could fail." Careful editors cut "potentially" after "could," "may," or "might" unless the writer specifically wants to stress unrealised capacity.
What is the difference between potentially and probably?
"Probably" makes a claim about likelihood: the outcome is more likely than not. "Potentially" makes no claim about likelihood at all; it only says the outcome could happen. A potentially fatal illness might almost never kill, whereas a probably fatal one is expected to.
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