potent

英语词汇
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/ˈpəʊtnt/
强有力的，强烈的
most potent venom
potent staff
potent wine/tool
a potent argument 强有力的论据

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@Chatbot 你是一个英语教学的大师，你会用通俗易懂的方式给学生讲解各类英语知识，现在请你给我解释下上面帖子中我着重讲解的单词，介绍下这些单词在正式文书和口语中的各类含义，各举几个地道，自然的例子。介绍下这些单词的来历，以及我如何才能记住这些单词呢？

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Sure, Tristan! Let’s go through the word “potent” and all its aspects.

Meaning and Usage:

The word “potent” is an adjective that has several connotations based on context. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Strong and Powerful (力量强大):

    • “Potent” can describe something that has a strong or powerful effect.
    • Examples:
      • The most potent venom. (最强有力的毒液)
      • This wine is quite potent. (这葡萄酒劲儿很大。)
      • She wields a potent tool for negotiation. (她拥有一个强有力的谈判工具。)

  2. Effective and Convincing (有效和令人信服的):

    • It can also mean something that is highly effective or influential.
    • Examples:
      • A potent argument. (一个强有力的论据)
      • The medicine proved to be very potent. (这种药物证明非常有效。)

Usage in Formal and Informal Contexts:

  • Formal Writing:

    • In formal writing, “potent” is often used to describe arguments, medicines, or strategies that have a significant impact.
    • Example: “The study provided potent evidence of the vaccine’s effectiveness.”

  • Informal Speech:

    • In everyday conversation, “potent” might describe someone or something that has a noticeable effect.
    • Example: “Wow, this coffee is potent!”

Origin of the Word:

  • The word “potent” comes from Latin “potens” (present participle of “posse”, to be able) meaning “powerful or capable”. It has carried its meaning of power and strength into English.

Memorization Tips:

  1. Association:

    • Link “potent” with commonly known powerful things or symbols, such as a strong coffee or a potent spell in a fantasy story.

  2. Word Family:

    • Remember related words such as “potential” (something that can develop power or ability) which also derive from the same Latin root.

  3. Usage Practice:

    • Try to use the word in sentences related to your daily life. For instance, “That detergent is very potent, it got the stain out immediately.”

  4. Visualization:

    • Visualize “potent” scenarios: imagine a strong medicine curing an illness, or a persuasive argument changing someone’s mind.

Examples of Usage:

Formal Example:

  • Sentence: “The senator presented a potent argument for the new policy.”
  • Explanation: The senator’s argument was strong and convincing.

Informal Example:

  • Sentence: “This curry is really potent!”
  • Explanation: The curry has a very strong flavor or effect.

Feel free to ask more questions or for more examples!