Potent/ˈpəʊtnt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Use 'potent' to express a strong emotional influence or presence. Her words had a potent emotional impact on the audience. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Positive Remember that 'potent' can refer to negative power as well. The dictator's potent rule was feared by all. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use 'Potent' can be used figuratively to describe compelling ideas or arguments. He made a potent case for changing the school policy.