What is the primary meaning of the word potent?

• A. Capable of developing or happening
• B. Extremely powerful or effective
• C. Influential
• D. Possessing great authority or power

Answer: (B)

Potent describes something with a strong power or strong effect. It conveys a sense of high strength or effectiveness, not just potential or influence over others.

That makes the best choice the one that defines potency as being extremely powerful or effective. For example, a potent medicine works quickly, a potent argument is very convincing, and a potent scent is very strong.

The other meanings are less fitting: Capable of developing or happening refers to potential rather than actual strength; influential points to the ability to persuade people, not the inherent power or effectiveness of something; possessing great authority or power emphasizes status or control rather than the force or impact something has.