likely, fortune, charm, accidental, potential: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 68. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. likely · adjective/ˈlaɪkli/

   probably going to happen, or probably true

   The most likely cause of the problem was a misunderstanding between the parties.

   Synonyms: probable, expected

   Origin: Middle English: from Old Norse líkligr, from líkr (see like)

2. fortune · noun/ˈfɔrtʃən/

   chance or luck that affects people

   I believe I have the good fortune of having such great friends and family.

   Synonyms: luck, chance

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin Fortuna, the name of a goddess personifying luck or chance

3. charm · noun/tʃɑrm/

   a pleasant quality that makes someone or something attractive

   She was attracted by his charm when she saw him at the party.

   Synonyms: appeal, charisma

   Origin: Middle English (in the senses ‘incantation or magic spell’ and ‘to use spells’): from Old French charme (noun), charmer (verb), from Latin carmen ‘song, verse, incantation’

4. accidental · adjective/ˌæksəˈdɛn(t)l/

   happening by chance and not planned

   The child broke his toy, but it was accidental so he did not get into trouble.

   Synonyms: unplanned, unintentional

   Origin: late Middle English (in accidental (sense 2 of the adjective and accidental sense 3 of the adjective)): from late Latin accidentalis, from Latin accident- ‘happening’ (see accident)

5. potential · noun/pəˈtɛn(t)ʃ(ə)l/

   the ability someone or something has to develop and succeed in the future

   She has the potential to be a very successful manager in the company.

   Synonyms: ability, capability

   Origin: late Middle English: from late Latin potentialis, from potentia ‘power’, from potent- ‘being able’ (see potent). The noun dates from the early 19th century