Definitions
- Referring to the inherent capacity or ability of something or someone to develop or achieve something. - Talking about the possibility of something happening or becoming a reality. - Describing the latent or unrealized power or talent of something or someone.
- Referring to the actual ability or skill of something or someone to perform a task or function. - Talking about the capacity or power of something or someone to achieve a specific goal or outcome. - Describing the competence or proficiency of something or someone in a particular area.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to the ability or capacity of something or someone.
- 2Both words imply a potential for growth, development, or achievement.
- 3Both words can be used to describe an innate or acquired quality of something or someone.
- 4Both words are abstract concepts that cannot be seen or touched.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Potentiality emphasizes the possibility or likelihood of something happening, while capability emphasizes the actual ability or skill to perform a task or function.
- 2Nature: Potentiality refers to the inherent or latent power or talent of something or someone, while capability refers to the actual or demonstrated competence or proficiency.
- 3Usage: Potentiality is often used in a more abstract or philosophical context, while capability is more commonly used in practical or technical contexts.
- 4Scope: Potentiality can refer to a wide range of possibilities or outcomes, while capability is more specific and limited to a particular area or task.
- 5Timeframe: Potentiality implies a future-oriented perspective, while capability can refer to both present and future abilities.
Remember this!
Potentiality and capability are synonyms that both refer to the ability or capacity of something or someone. However, the difference between them lies in their focus, nature, usage, scope, and timeframe. Potentiality emphasizes the possibility or likelihood of something happening and refers to the inherent or latent power or talent, while capability emphasizes the actual ability or skill to perform a task or function and refers to the demonstrated competence or proficiency.