in grammar, an epithet applied to one of the moods of verbs. The potential is the same in form with the subjunctive, and is, according to some, implied in that mood; but others consider that it differs from the subjunctive by always implying in it either possum, volo, or debbo. It is also called the permissive mood, because it often implies a permission or concession to do a thing, and is denoted in English by the auxiliary verb may or might.