potent
UK: ˈpəʊtnt | US: ˈpoʊtnt
adj. having great power, influence, or effect
adj. (of a drug, medicine, etc.) highly effective
adj. (archaic) capable of sexual performance
The word "potent" traces back to Latin potens, meaning "powerful" or "able," derived from posse (to be able). It entered Middle English via Old French potent, retaining its core sense of strength or efficacy. The morpheme pot- appears in related words like "potency" and "omnipotent," while -ent is a common adjectival suffix. The word's evolution reflects a consistent focus on capability and force, whether physical, medicinal, or metaphorical.
The king was a potent ruler who commanded unwavering loyalty.
This herb is known for its potent healing properties.
The argument was so potent that it changed everyone’s opinion.
The potion was too potent and caused unexpected side effects.
In ancient myths, gods were described as omnipotent and eternally potent.