What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
potent
Example
The potent medicine helped alleviate the patient's pain. [potent: adjective]
Example
The CEO was a potent force in driving the company's success. [potent: noun]
Example
The author made a potent argument for the importance of education. [potent: adjective]
strong
Example
The strong rope held up the heavy load without breaking. [strong: adjective]
Example
The athlete was known for his strong muscles and stamina. [strong: adjective]
Example
She had a strong desire to succeed in her career. [strong: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strong is more commonly used than potent in everyday language. Strong is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while potent is more specialized and is typically used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between potent and strong?
Potent is generally considered more formal than strong. Potent is often used in technical or scientific writing, while strong can be used in both formal and informal contexts.