'potently' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'potens' (present participle of 'posse'), where 'posse' meant 'to be able' or 'have power'.

'potens' passed into Late Latin and Old French as 'potent', then into Middle English as 'potent'; the English adverb 'potently' was formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'potent'.

Initially it meant 'having power; able' (describing someone or something with power), but over time adverbial use evolved to mean 'in a powerful or effective manner' as in the modern adverb 'potently'.