latent与potential这两个形容词均含“潜在的”之意。
latent : 指存在但看不见的现象或潜在的性质。
- 所有近期进口的货物都应被视为带有潜伏性传染病。
All recent imports should be treated as if they had a latent infection. - 广告的意图是以公开的信息传达隐含之意。
Advertisements attempt to project a latent meaning behind an overt message. - 这些犟孩子们九死一生活了下来。他们蕴藏着极大的潜在天赋。
These restive children defied all the odds and survived. They have a huge reserve of latent talent.
（拓展学习：小词详解 | latent）
potential : 强调潜在的可能性或能力。
- A number of potential buyers have expressed interest in the company.
一些潜在的买主表达了对该公司的兴趣。 - Many potential customers are waiting for a fall in prices before buying.
很多潜在的顾客都在等着降价再购买。 - The accident is a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in North Sea oil production.
该事故残酷地提醒人们北海石油生产可能会出现的危险。
