French word

potentiel

Pronunciation

IPA/potɑ̃sjɛl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpotential

Example

Il a un potentiel énorme.

He has huge potential.

Illustration for potentiel (potential)

More examples

Il faut développer son potentiel.

One must develop one's potential.

Core concept

A reserve of ability waiting to be developed or put to work.

Common phrases

  • avoir du potentiel

    have potential

  • développer le potentiel

    develop one's potential

Similar words

compétence: The practical skills required to fulfill a specific job or role.
capacité: The ability or strength needed to perform an action.
aptitude: A disposition that makes someone suited to a particular field or activity.

Definition in French

Possibilité latente de développement ou d'efficacité, aptitude non réalisée pouvant se révéler ultérieurement.

Word origin

French potentiel derives from Latin potentialis, itself formed from potentia, meaning power or capacity.

Usage tips

  • As a noun, potentiel is masculine and commonly appears in avoir du potentiel, with du rather than the indefinite article.

Other meanings

  • electric potentialnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word