Definitions
- Referring to something that has the possibility of happening in the future. - Talking about something that has the capacity or ability to develop into something else. - Describing something that is capable of being achieved or realized.
- Referring to something that may happen or exist, but is not certain. - Talking about something that could be true or accurate, but is not confirmed. - Describing a situation where there are different options or outcomes, and one of them may occur.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words express uncertainty or lack of confirmation.
- 2Both words indicate the possibility of something happening or existing.
- 3Both words can be used to suggest alternative options or outcomes.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Potentially is often used to describe something that has the capacity or ability to develop into something else, while possibly is used to describe something that may happen or exist, but is not certain.
- 2Certainty: Potentially implies a higher degree of certainty than possibly, as it suggests that something has the potential to happen or develop.
- 3Formality: Potentially is more formal than possibly, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 4Focus: Potentially emphasizes the potential for development or achievement, while possibly focuses on the possibility of something happening or existing.
Remember this!
Potentially and possibly are synonyms that express uncertainty or lack of confirmation. However, potentially suggests that something has the capacity or ability to develop into something else, while possibly indicates that something may happen or exist, but is not certain. Potentially is more formal and implies a higher degree of certainty, while possibly is more commonly used in everyday language and focuses on the possibility of something happening or existing.
