Word · Frequency #3126
potentially
可能地；潜在地
possibly; in a way that could happen or become true
- 1.
In a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.
以显示很大潜力的方式；有可能以某种方式发生
以显示很大潜力的方式；有可能以某种方式发生；可能地；潜在地
In use
This new software could potentially save us several hours of work each week.
The project is potentially very profitable, but we need more data before investing.
Traveling during the holiday can potentially be more expensive than usual.
potentially + adj
常用于形容词前表示可能具有某种属性。
This situation is potentially dangerous.
这种情况有潜在的危险。
modal + potentially + verb
常与情态动词连用，表示可能性。
The new drug could potentially save many lives.
这种新药有可能挽救许多生命。
Potentially, + sentence
用于句首，后接逗号，修饰整个句子。
Potentially, the project could be delayed by bad weather.
可能地，该项目会因恶劣天气而延误。
Common mistakes
This is a potentially problem.This is a potential problem.
potentially是副词，不能直接修饰名词；应使用形容词potential。
He potentially is the best.He is potentially the best.
可能性副词如potentially通常放在be动词之后，而非之前。
Connections
Collocations
- potentially dangerous
- 可能危险的
- This chemical is potentially dangerous if mishandled.这种化学物质如果处理不当可能危险。
- potentially harmful
- 可能有害的
- UV radiation is potentially harmful to your skin.紫外线辐射对皮肤可能有害。
- potentially fatal
- 可能致命的
- A delayed diagnosis can be potentially fatal.延迟诊断可能是致命的。
- potentially explosive
- 可能爆炸的；可能爆发的
- The situation in the region remains potentially explosive.该地区的局势仍然可能爆发。
- potentially life-threatening
- 可能危及生命的
- Some allergic reactions are potentially life-threatening.某些过敏反应可能危及生命。
Learner notes
Memory Tip
potential（潜力）加-ly，就是‘有潜力地’，即‘可能地’。
Context & Register
通常用于正式或半正式语境，表示可能性。
Grammar Note
通常修饰整个句子或动词短语
Pronunciation & Spelling
Words like 'essentially' and 'eventually' share a similar ending but do not rhyme with 'potentially'. 'Potential' shares a spelling chunk but differs in pronunciation.
High-value vocabulary
该词属于 Oxford 核心词汇，值得优先掌握常见搭配和句型。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.