Maybe vs. Potentially — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Maybe and Potentially
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Compare with Definitions
Maybe
Perhaps; possibly
Maybe I won't go back
He was standing maybe 20 or 30 feet away
Potentially
Capable of being but not yet in existence; latent or undeveloped
A potential problem.
A substance with many potential uses.
Maybe
A mere possibility or probability
No ifs, buts, or maybes
Potentially
(Grammar) Of, relating to, or being a verbal construction with auxiliaries such as may or can; for example, it may snow.
Maybe
Used to indicate uncertainty or possibility
We should maybe take a different route. Maybe it won't rain.
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Potentially
The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success
An investment with a lot of potential.
A singer who has the potential to become a major star.
Maybe
An uncertainty
There are so many maybes involved in playing the stock market.
Potentially
The possibility that something might happen or result from given conditions
A tense situation with the potential to turn into a riot.
Farming practices that increase the potential for the erosion of topsoil.
Maybe
An uncertain reply
It's better to receive a fast and honest no than a drawn-out maybe.
Potentially
See electric potential.
Maybe
Modifies a verb, indicating a lack of certainty: it may be (that)...
Maybe I was imagining it, but I could swear that the dog understood what I was saying.
Potentially
See gravitational potential.
Maybe
Perhaps that is true expressing no commitment to a decision or a neutral viewpoint to a statement.
Potentially
See magnetic potential.
Maybe
Certainly.
Maybe not the best idea.
Potentially
(Grammar) A potential verb form.
Maybe
Possible; uncertain.
Potentially
In a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.
Maybe
(informal) Something that is possibly true.
Potentially
(obsolete) Powerfully, strongly.
Maybe
(informal) An answer that shows neither agreement nor disagreement.
The results of the poll were inconclusive. We got two yeses, three nos, and four maybes.
Potentially
With power; potently.
Maybe
(informal) A future event that may or may not happen.
About your raise: it's a big maybe.
Potentially
In a potential manner; possibly, not positively.
The duration of human souls is only potentially infinite.
Maybe
Perhaps; possibly; peradventure.
Maybe the amorous count solicits her.
In a liberal and, maybe, somewhat reckless way.
Potentially
With a possibility of becoming actual;
Introducing possibly dangerous innovations
He is potentially dangerous
Potentially useful
Maybe
Possible; probable, but not sure.
Then add those maybe years thou hast to live.
Maybe
Possibility; uncertainty.
What they offer is mere maybe and shift.
Maybe
By chance;
Perhaps she will call tomorrow
We may possibly run into them at the concert
It may peradventure be thought that there never was such a time
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