potency
/'poutənsi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The state or quality of being potent; inherent strength or power: Refers to the condition of having great force, effectiveness, or influence.
- Capacity to achieve a result; efficacy: The inherent ability of something, such as a drug, chemical, or argument, to produce a strong or intended effect.
- A male's capacity for sexual intercourse; virility: Specifically denotes the biological ability to perform sexually.
Examples of Usage
General Power/Strength:
- The potency of the emperor's decree was absolute. (The inherent power of the emperor's order was complete.)
- She spoke with a quiet potency that commanded the room's attention. (She spoke with a quiet strength that demanded everyone's focus.)
Efficacy (e.g., of drugs, arguments):
- Scientists are testing the potency of the new vaccine. (Scientists are measuring the strength and effectiveness of the new vaccine.)
- The potency of his reasoning convinced the jury. (The compelling force of his logic persuaded the jury.)
Virility:
- Traditional medicine often claims to enhance male potency. (Traditional medicine frequently asserts it can improve a man's sexual capacity.)
Advanced Usage
"In potency" or "In potentia": Existing in possibility but not yet in reality; latent.
- The idea was there in potency, waiting for the right moment to be realized. (The idea existed as a possibility, awaiting the correct time to become real.)
"Full potency": At maximum strength or effectiveness.
- Allow the medication to reach its full potency before assessing its effects. (Let the drug achieve its complete strength before evaluating its results.)
Variants and Related Words
Potent (adj): Having great power, influence, or effect; (of a male) capable of sexual intercourse.
- A potent argument. (A very forceful and convincing argument.)
- A potent ruler. (A powerful ruler.)
Potential (adj/n): Having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future; latent qualities or abilities.
- She has great potential as a leader. (She possesses significant inherent capacity to become a leader.)
Potentiate (verb): To increase the power, effect, or likelihood of something.
- One drug can potentiate the effects of another. (One medication can enhance the effects of a different one.)
Synonyms
- Power: The ability to do something or act in a particular way.
- Strength: The quality or state of being physically or mentally strong.
- Efficacy: The ability to produce a desired or intended result.
- Potence: A less common synonym for potency, meaning power or strength.
- Virility: (Specifically for male sexual capacity) The quality of having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive.
Antonyms
- Impotence: Lack of power or strength; specifically, inability in a male to achieve an erection or sexual intercourse.
- Weakness: The state or condition of lacking strength.
- Inefficacy: Failure to produce the desired effect.
Related Phrases and Concepts
Political potency: The effectiveness and influence of a political idea, figure, or movement.
- The slogan gained political potency during the crisis. (The slogan became powerfully effective in politics during the crisis.)
Potency test: A procedure to measure the strength of a substance, especially a drug.
- The batch failed the required potency test. (The group of products did not meet the required strength measurement.)
Noun
- the state of being potent; a male's capacity to have sexual intercourse
- the inherent capacity for coming into being
- capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects
- the toxin's potency
- the strength of the drinks
- the power or right to give orders or make decisions
- he has the authority to issue warrants
- deputies are given authorization to make arrests
- a place of potency in the state