potentiality

English

Etymology

potential +‎ -ity

Noun

potentiality (countable and uncountable, plural potentialities)

1. (chiefly uncountable) The quality of being, or having potential.
2. (countable) An instance of potential: any given possibility.
3. An inherent capacity for growth or development.
4. An aptitude amenable to development; capability.
5. (philosophy) A possibility or capacity to be something, as opposed to an actuality describing what something actually is at present.
6. (physics) Quantum potential.

Related terms

• potence
• potency
• potent
• potentate
• potential

Further reading

• “potentiality”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
• “potentiality”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.