potent
word
Definition
Describes something that has a strong effect or influence; very powerful or effective. Can refer to medicines, chemicals, emotions, or even people.
Usage & Nuances
Formal to neutral; often used for medicines ('a potent drug'), drinks ('a potent wine'), or abstract forces ('a potent argument'). Commonly means 'strong and effective', not just 'physically strong'. Not usually used for physical strength of people (say 'strong' instead).
Spanish: potente - poderosoPortuguese (BR): potente - poderosoPortuguese (PT): potente - poderosoChinese (Simplified): 强大的 - 有效的Chinese (Traditional): 強大的 - 有效的Hindi: शक्तिशाली - असरदारArabic: قوي - فعّالBengali: শক্তিশালী - কার্যকরRussian: мощный - сильнодействующийJapanese: 強力な - 効果的なVietnamese: mạnh - có tác dụng mạnhKorean: 강력한 - 효과적인Turkish: güçlü - etkiliUrdu: موثر - طاقتورIndonesian: kuat - manjur
Example Sentences
That's a potent cocktail—be careful!
natural
This is a potent medicine.
basic
The perfume has a potent smell.
basic
He made a potent argument in the meeting.
basic
Garlic is a potent ingredient in many dishes.
natural
His words were more potent than he realized.
natural