potencialidades

Potencialidades is a term used in Portuguese to describe latent abilities, capacities or opportunities that can be developed or realized by a person, a group, an organization, or a territory. It emphasizes what could be achieved under favorable conditions, rather than what is currently demonstrated.

Etymology and scope: The word combines potencial (potential) with the suffix -idade, indicating a state or quality. In everyday use and in policy discourse, potencialidades refer to the spectrum of untapped capabilities that may be activated through education, training, investment, and supportive environments.

Education and psychology: In these fields, the concept is used to identify and nurture talents and aptitudes that are not immediately visible. It supports approaches such as differentiated instruction, counseling, and personalized development plans aimed at unlocking a student’s or an individual's potential. Evaluation focuses on possibilities as well as current performance, recognizing diverse learning trajectories and talents.

Urban planning and regional development: The term is applied to territories to describe their endogenous resources and opportunities. Potencialidades do território include human capital, cultural assets, natural resources, and infrastructure that can be mobilized with policy, innovation, and investment to foster inclusive growth and resilience.

Philosophy and social theory: Potencialidades intersect with discussions of potentiality and actuality, highlighting capacities that can be realized under suitable conditions. In contemporary discourse, the concept often underpins holistic views of development, stressing not only economic outputs but also social, cultural, and emotional dimensions of growth.

See also: potencialidade, potencialidades humanas, desenvolvimento de potencial, avaliação de potencial.