potenciar
“potenciar” means “to boost” in Spanish (to increase the power or effect of something).
to boost
Also: to enhance, to strengthen, to maximize
📝 In Action
Queremos potenciar el turismo en nuestra ciudad.
B1We want to boost tourism in our city.
Este curso te ayudará a potenciar tus habilidades creativas.
B2This course will help you maximize your creative skills.
El gobierno busca potenciar la economía local.
C1The government seeks to strengthen the local economy.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: potenciar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence best uses 'potenciar' to mean maximizing a skill?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish noun 'potencia' (power), which comes from the Latin 'potentia,' meaning force or capacity.
First recorded: 19th century (modern usage)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'potenciar' the same as 'mejorar'?
Not exactly. 'Mejorar' simply means to make better. 'Potenciar' is more aggressive; it means to boost, amplify, or exploit the full power of something that already exists.
Can I use 'potenciar' for people?
Yes, but usually to refer to their skills, talents, or abilities. For example, 'potenciar a los empleados' means to help employees reach their full potential.
Does it have a mathematical meaning?
Yes, in math, it can refer to raising a number to a power, though 'elevar a la potencia' is more common.