Potential vs. Prospective

Potential vs. Prospective — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Potential and Prospective

Potentialnoun

Currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to)

Even from a young age it was clear that she had the potential to become a great musician.

Prospectiveadjective

Likely or expected to happen or become.

Prospective students are those who have already applied to the university, but have yet to be admitted.

Potentialnoun

(physics) The gravitational potential: the radial (irrotational, static) component of a gravitational field, also known as the Newtonian potential or the gravitoelectric field.

Prospectiveadjective

Anticipated in the near or far future.

Potentialnoun

(physics) The work (energy) required to move a reference particle from a reference location to a specified location in the presence of a force field, for example to bring a unit positive electric charge from an infinite distance to a specified point against an electric field.

Prospectiveadjective

Of or relating to a prospect; furnishing a prospect.

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Potentialnoun

(grammar) A verbal construction or form stating something is possible or probable.

Prospectiveadjective

Looking forward in time; acting with foresight.

Potentialnoun

the inherent capacity for coming into being

Prospectiveadjective

A study that starts with the present situation and follows participants into the future

Potentialnoun

the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts

Prospectiveadjective

(grammar) Indicating grammatically an activity about to begin.

What some other languages convey with prospective aspect, English conveys with expressions like going to drive the car home''.
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Potentialadjective

existing in possibility;

a potential problempossible uses of nuclear power

Prospectivenoun

(obsolete) The scene before or around, in time or in space; view; prospect.

Potentialadjective

expected to become or be; in prospect;

potential clientsexpected income

Prospectivenoun

(obsolete) A perspective glass.

Prospectivenoun

A prospective (potential) member, student, employee, date, partner, etc.

Would you like to show the prospective around?I'm meeting the prospectives at 3.

Prospectiveadjective

concerned with or related to the future;

prospective earningsa prospective motherthe statute is solely prospective in operation

Prospectiveadjective

anticipated for the near future;

the prospective studentshis prospective bride