potentially

The word “potentially” means possibly, in a way that could happen. In plain terms, used to say something might happen, without guaranteeing it will.

“Potentially” is pronounced puh-TEHNSH-lee (/pəˈtɛnʃ(ə)li/ in IPA).

Here is “potentially” used in a sentence: “The delay could potentially push the launch into next year.”

“Potentially” is an adverb.

“Potentially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"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.

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.

"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.