potential

Everyday

1. adjective: Potential means possible in the future, but not yet real. tree →
2. noun: Potential is the ability or talent that could grow and lead to success. tree →
3. (science) Potential energy is energy stored in something because of its position or shape, like a stretched spring or a book on a high shelf. tree →

In the lessons

In science: potential energy turns into kinetic (moving) energy when something falls. In school and sport: teachers say a pupil has great potential. In safety: a potential danger. Phrases: potential energy, potential danger, reach your potential, have potential.

Examples

• A ball on a high shelf has potential energy. tree →
• Wet floors are a potential danger. tree →
• The coach said she has the potential to be a champion. tree →
• They talked to potential buyers of the house. tree →
• Work hard to reach your full potential. tree →
• The old barn has lots of potential. tree →

Note

Spelling: -tial. Adverb: potentially. In science: the higher something is, the more potential energy it has; when it falls, potential energy becomes kinetic energy.