with a possibility of becoming actual
"he is potentially dangerous"
"potentially useful"
In a manner showing much potential; with the possibility of happening in a given way.
"The young violinist performed so flawlessly that she was potentially ready for a solo recital next month."
In plain English: Potentially means something might happen in the future, but it is not certain yet.
"The rain is potentially heavy, so you should bring an umbrella."
Usage: Use potentially to indicate that something has the possibility of occurring or being true, but is not yet certain. Avoid confusing it with "potentially" as an adjective describing high promise, which should instead be phrased as having potential or showing great promise.
The word potentially is formed by adding the suffix -ly to potential. It entered English as a straightforward derivation from its root adjective to describe something that may happen or be true.