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Practically vs Potentially - What's the difference?

practically | potentially |

As adverbs the difference between practically and potentially

is that practically is in practice; in effect not necessarily officially the case but what actually occurs while potentially is in a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.

practically

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • In practice; in effect. Not necessarily officially the case but what actually occurs.
  • Almost completely; almost entirely
  • With respect to practices or a practice.

    • Usage notes

    * Practical-minded is nearly four times as common as practically -minded in books.

    Antonyms

    * impractically

    potentially

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • In a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=September-October, author= Michael Sivak
    • , magazine=(American Scientist), title= Will AC Put a Chill on the Global Energy Supply? , passage=Nevertheless, it is clear that the global energy demand for air-conditioning will grow substantially as nations become more affluent, with the consequences of climate change potentially accelerating the demand.}}
  • (label) Powerfully, strongly.
  • * 1851 , (Herman Melville), (Moby-Dick) :
    • I freely assert, that the cosmopolite philosopher cannot, for his life, point out one single peaceful influence, which within the last sixty years has operated more potentially upon the whole broad world, taken in one aggregate, than the high and mighty business of whaling.