The ambiguity of words in a language sometimes gives rise to confusion and even those who use terms and names do not always understand their meaning. Such a “complex” and polysemantic word is, for example, “potential”.
Potential means the presence of any resources, internal or vital reserves and opportunities. However, in different dictionaries, you can find different interpretations of this term.
For example, in Efremova's dictionary, the concept of "potential" is defined as a quantity that characterizes the energy reserve of a body located at a point of a magnetic or electric field. Here you can also find the figurative meaning of this word, namely "potential" as the totality of all available means and possibilities in any sphere or area.
In Ushakov's dictionary, two definitions of the concept of "potential" are also given. In the first case, we are talking about a physical concept that characterizes the amount of potential energy at a certain point in space. In the second - "potential" is described as a set of conditions, means necessary to maintain, maintain, preserve something.
Ozhegov's dictionary also contains a third version of the interpretation of “potential”. And in this case, it means an internal reserve, a person's capabilities.
In everyday life, it is not possible to see the potential of people or things, because this requires a certain impact on an object or object.
For example, when purchasing a light bulb, we usually look at the packaging in order to find out the potential of its contents, that is, the power, the number of hours of warranty work, etc. If we just hold the light bulb in our hands, we will not see its potential. However, the packaging does not tell all about the product's capabilities. After all, a light bulb can explode when dropped, you can get hurt on it. And this also applies to potential. But it is worth noting that not one of these properties can manifest itself without affecting the object.
Or, for example, consider a grain. What potential does it have? One seed cannot feed anyone. But if it is planted in the ground and certain conditions are created, then the potential of the grain can be seen already in the plant.
A person practically all his life studies the potential of a variety of things. If you observe small children, it will become clearly visible that they are conducting experiments on everything that falls into their hands. Becoming a little older, the little tester already begins to understand that it is impossible to turn mother's vase into many beautiful fragments. And not because it is impossible to do it, but because it is unacceptable.
In adolescence, a person begins to experience life, to dream. But more often than not, prohibitions on the part of the older generation lead to the fact that in adolescence the potential is latent. Thus, a person, like a small grain, will not even recognize his potential until he gets into a suitable environment.
So, summing up all of the above, the potential can be characterized as latent abilities that are revealed under a certain impact on the object in the required environment.