potential
gb/pətˈɛnʃəl/ us/pətˈɛnʃəl/
B1
English
~ 1900
potenciál, benne rejlő lehetőség, lehetséges, potenciális, potenciális energia, helyzeti energia
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] has potential
She has great potential as a leader.
Nagy vezetői potenciál van benne.
This new technology has the potential to change the industry.
Ebben az új technológiában megvan a lehetőség, hogy átalakítsa az iparágat.
The young athlete showed incredible potential during the tryouts.
Learner examples
He has great potential in music.
Nagy zenei potenciál van benne.
This idea has potential to make money.
Ebben az ötletben megvan a lehetőség, hogy pénzt hozzon.
The student has big potential for success.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'potential' with 'potent', but 'potent' means 'very strong or powerful'.
Meaning
possibility of future success or growth
Collocations
great potential
|full potential
|untapped potential
|realize potential
|show potential
Synonyms
promise (Suggests signs of future success, often in talent or skill.)
Antonyms
limitation (Refers to a restriction that prevents growth or success.)
Themes
personal_development
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The ability to grow, improve, or be successful in the future.
The capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
B1
2
lehetséges
B1
potenciális
B2
Usage pattern:
potential [problem/benefit/candidate/etc.]
We need to consider all potential risks before starting.
Mielőtt elkezdjük, minden lehetséges kockázatot mérlegelnünk kell.
She is a potential candidate for the job.
Ő a pozíció egyik lehetséges jelöltje.
This is a potential solution to our problem.
Learner examples
This is a potential problem.
Ez egy lehetséges probléma.
He is a potential winner.
Ő az egyik lehetséges győztes.
There is a potential danger on the road.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'possible' instead of 'potential' when they mean 'capable of developing in the future'. 'Potential' often implies a capacity rather than just chance.
Meaning
possible but not yet real
Collocations
potential danger
|potential customer
|potential solution
|potential outcome
Synonyms
possible (General term for something that might happen or exist.)
Antonyms
impossible (Something that cannot happen or exist.)
Themes
general
|prediction
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Able to become something in the future, but not yet real.
Having the capacity to develop into something in the future; possible.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
3
A rock at the top of a hill has gravitational potential energy.
Egy domb tetején lévő kőnek gravitációs potenciális energiája van.
The battery stores electrical potential until used.
Az akkumulátor elektromos potenciális energiát tárol, amíg fel nem használják.
Scientists measured the electric potential across the circuit.
Learner examples
The ball has potential energy at the top.
A labdának a legfelső ponton potenciális energiája van.
Water behind a dam has potential energy.
A gát mögött felgyülemlett víznek potenciális energiája van.
A battery has electric potential.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'potential energy' with 'kinetic energy', which is energy of movement.
Meaning
energy due to position or condition
Collocations
potential energy
|electric potential
Synonyms
stored energy (Non-technical phrase meaning energy kept in position or form.)
Antonyms
kinetic energy (Energy of an object in motion, opposite of stored energy.)
Themes
science
|physics
Definition
Energy an object has because of where it is or what it is like, not because it is moving.
Energy possessed by a body because of its position, condition, or configuration.
Grammar
Dictionary form
potential
IPA
GB/pətˈɛnʃəl/
US/pətˈɛnʃəl/
Syllables & stress
po - ten - tial (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ten)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: potential
Noun
- Base: potential
- Plural: potential, potentials
Word family
Expressions
full potential
1/fˈʊl pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
maximum possible ability or level
The best or highest level that someone or something can be.
Examples
- She finally reached her full potential as an artist.
- The program helps students achieve their full potential.
reach one's potential
1/ɹˈit͡ʃ wˈʌnz pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
achieve maximum ability possible
To become as good as you can be.
Examples
- With guidance, she reached her full potential.
- The coach helps players reach their potential.
untapped potential
1/ʌntˈæpt pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
unused ability or resources
Ability or resources that have not been used yet.
Examples
- The region has a lot of untapped potential for tourism.
- He has untapped potential as a writer.