potentiality
/pə,tenʃi'æliti/
Definition
Noun: 1. An inherent capacity or aptitude that may be developed: A latent quality or ability that exists but is not yet fully realized or utilized. 2. The inherent capacity for coming into being: The state of existing in possibility rather than actuality; the possibility of something happening or developing.
Usage and Examples
- Noun (Capacity to be developed):
- The teacher recognized the student's potentiality for great artistic achievement.
- Our research focuses on the potentiality of this new material to store energy.
- Noun (Capacity for coming into being):
- The seed contains the potentiality of a mighty tree.
- In philosophy, potentiality is often contrasted with actuality.
Advanced Usage
- "To realize/fulfill one's potentiality": To develop a latent ability or quality into a real and active state.
- With the right training, she can realize her full potentiality as a leader.
- "In potentiality": Existing as a possibility.
- The plan is excellent in potentiality, but its execution will be difficult.
Variants and Related Words
- Potential (adj/noun): The more common form. As an adjective: having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future (e.g., ). As a noun: the same core meaning as "potentiality" (e.g., ).
- Potentially (adverb): With the possibility of happening or being true (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Capability: The power or ability to do something.
- Capacity: The maximum amount that something can contain or produce; also, a person's ability to do something.
- Possibility: A thing that may happen or be the case.
- Latency: The state of existing but not yet being developed or manifest.
Antonyms
- Actuality: The state of existing in reality, as opposed to potentially.
- Reality: The world or the state of things as they actually exist.
Noun
-
an aptitude that may be developed
-
the inherent capacity for coming into being
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