Potential
/pəˈtɛnʃəl/noun
Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future.
Did you know?In alchemical traditions, 'potential' signifies not just possibility, but the latent energy waiting to be transformed into gold.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
potentialis
“of power, capable”
Late Latin
Late Latin
potentia
“power, ability”
Old French
Old French
potentiel
“capable of being”
14th Century
Middle English
potencial
“having power or ability”
Modern English
English
potential
“capacity for development or growth”
Explore more surprising origins