potentially

potentially — adverb

1. in a way that shows something could happen or become real later, even though it

1.副詞B2
釋義

in a way that shows something could happen or become real later, even though it has not happened yet.

例句

A small kitchen fire can potentially spread through the whole building.

modal pattern: can potentially + verb

This new inhaler is potentially useful for children who wheeze at night.

be + potentially + adjective

同義詞
  • possibly

    the closest everyday choice, but it does not stress future development as clearly

  • perhaps

    broader and often used to comment on a whole statement

  • conceivably

    more formal and often suggests a more distant chance

  • maybe

    common in speech, but less natural in formal risk or benefit statements

反義詞
  • certainly

    shows confidence that something is true or will happen

  • definitely

    sounds even firmer and leaves little doubt

文法句型

could potentially + verb

be potentially + adjective

potentially become + noun

用法筆記

Often modifies an adjective or participle, as in 'potentially dangerous' or 'potentially useful', or follows a modal verb, as in 'could potentially delay'. It usually points to a risk, benefit, or future result that is not real yet.

常見錯誤

❌The station is potentially closed now.
✅The station may be closed now.
💡'potentially' usually suggests a possible result or quality, not simple uncertainty about a present fact.