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Theoretically vs Potentially - What's the difference?

theoretically | potentially |

As adverbs the difference between theoretically and potentially

is that theoretically is in theory; on paper while potentially is in a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.

theoretically

English

Adverb

(-)
  • in theory; on paper
  • I haven't tested it, but theoretically it ought to fly.
  • in a theoretical manner
  • I solved the problem theoretically rather than practically.

    Anagrams

    *

    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.