Latin word potestas comes from Latin sum ((copulative) I am, exist, have (with dative).), Latin -ius, Proto-Indo-European *pótis (Husband. Master, ruler.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| sum | Latin (lat) | (copulative) I am, exist, have (with dative). |
| -ius | Latin (lat) | Genitive suffix for some irregular pronouns. Forming adjectives from nouns. |
| *pótis | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | Husband. Master, ruler. |
| *potis | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | |
| potis | Latin (lat) | Able, capable, possible. |
| posse | Latin (lat) | (post-Classical) force, body of men. (scholastic Latin) potentiality, capability of being. Power, ability "to be able (to)". |
| potestas | Latin (lat) | (of a word) meaning. Authority, jurisdiction. Dominion, political power. Mastery, control. Possibility, opportunity. Power, ability. Right, legal power. |