potentially
gb/pətˈɛnʃəli/ us/pətˈɛnʃəli/
B2
英语
~ 6000
义项
0 个义项
adverb
B2
property
1
possibly, but not for sure
Used to say that something can happen or be true in the future, but we do not know for sure.
用法模式：
potentially [adjective]
常见错误：
Learners sometimes confuse "potentially" with "potently". "Potentially" means something may happen or be true in the future, while "potently" means something works with strong power (e.g., a potently effective medicine). Another common issue is redundancy such as "can potentially" or "could potentially"; these are widely used in real English, but in very careful writing some teachers prefer just "can" or "could" because they already express possibility.
近义词
possibly (Most direct everyday synonym; sounds slightly simpler and more common in speech.)
|
perhaps (More natural at the start of a sentence; can sound a bit softer or more tentative.)
|
conceivably (More formal and intellectual; often used when something seems unlikely but still possible.)
反义词
definitely (Expresses that something is sure to happen or is certainly true, not just possible.)
|
certainly (Stresses complete certainty, often to correct or contrast with doubt or possibility.)
搭配
potentially dangerous
|potentially harmful
|potentially deadly
|potentially life-threatening
|potentially serious
|could potentially
主题
probability
|risk
|assessment
|communication
|core_vocabulary
例句
- The drug is potentially dangerous if taken with alcohol.
- This deal could potentially save the company millions of dollars.
- Working from home is potentially very beneficial for parents with young children.
- Leaving the data unencrypted is potentially a serious security risk.
- The new policy is potentially good news for small businesses.
学习者例句
- This food is potentially harmful if you do not cook it well.
- The new job is potentially very exciting for her.
- That decision is potentially a big mistake.
- The storm is potentially a problem for travelers.
- This idea is potentially very useful for our project.
语法
词典原形
potentially
IPA
GB/pətˈɛnʃəli/
US/pətˈɛnʃəli/
音节与重音
po - ten - tially （3 个音节）
Stress on 2nd syllable (ten)
词形变化
Noun
- Base: potentially
- Plural: potentiallies
词族
Forms
potentiallies
noun
Core family
potential
adjective B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
potentiality
noun
相关表达
could potentially
1/kˈʊd pətˈɛnʃəli/
fixed phrase
might happen in the future
Used to say that something might happen in the future, but we do not know if it will.
例句
- This change could potentially affect thousands of customers.
- The discovery could potentially lead to a new treatment for cancer.
- A long delay could potentially cause us to lose the contract.
potentially dangerous
1/pətˈɛnʃəli dˈeɪnd͡ʒɚəs/
fixed phrase
possibly able to cause harm
May cause harm or injury, but we are not sure if it will.
例句
- The chemicals stored in the garage are potentially dangerous to children.
- Driving in heavy fog is potentially dangerous, so please slow down.
- This software bug is potentially dangerous because it could expose user data.
potentially deadly
1/pətˈɛnʃəli dˈɛdli/
fixed phrase
may be able to kill
May cause death, but it is not sure that it will.
例句
- Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly gas.
- Climbing without proper equipment can be potentially deadly.
- The virus is mild for most people but potentially deadly for the elderly.
potentially harmful
1/pətˈɛnʃəli hˈɑɹmfəl/
fixed phrase
may cause damage or bad effects
May cause damage, illness, or other bad results, but we do not know if it will.
例句
- The report warns that the new pesticide is potentially harmful to bees.
- Some online trends can be potentially harmful to young people.
- Doctors are studying whether the drug is potentially harmful during pregnancy.
potentially life-threatening
1/pətˈɛnʃəli lˈaɪf θɹˈɛtənɪŋ/
fixed phrase
may put someone's life at risk
May be so serious that it could cause death, but we do not know if it will.
例句
- Allergic reactions to peanuts can be potentially life-threatening.
- It is important to treat this infection quickly because it is potentially life-threatening.
- This condition is rare but potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
potentially serious
1/pətˈɛnʃəli sˈɪɹiəs/
fixed phrase
may be severe or important
May be very bad or important, but we do not know if it will be.
例句
- Doctors ran more tests because it could be a potentially serious problem.
- The company faces potentially serious legal issues.
- This is a potentially serious mistake that could affect many customers.
potentially useful
1/pətˈɛnʃəli jˈusfəl/
fixed phrase
may be helpful or effective
May be helpful or good to use, but we are not sure yet.
例句
- This tool looks potentially useful for our research.
- He shared several potentially useful ideas at the meeting.
- The app is still in beta but already seems potentially useful for travelers.