power
/ˈpaʊə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Power is the ability to do something or to make something happen. It can also mean control over people, events, or machines.
- She has the power to decide.
- The storm lost power at midnight.
- Knowledge gives you power.
verb
To power something means to supply it with energy or make it work. It is often used for machines, vehicles, and devices.
- The battery powers the phone.
- This engine powers the boat.
- Solar panels power the school.
Adinary Nuance
Power is broader than control, influence, or strength. Use power when you mean the ability to act, the force behind something, or authority over others. Influence is softer and often indirect, while strength focuses on physical or inner force.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- quyền lực
- Spanish
- poder
- Chinese
- 权力
- Japanese
- 力
- Korean
- 힘
Etymology
Power came into English from Old French in the Middle Ages. It goes back to Latin potere and potis, meaning 'able' or 'strong' in early forms.
Common phrases
power to do somethingpower of the statepower outagepower supply
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is power countable or uncountable?
- Usually, **power** is uncountable when it means ability or energy. It can be countable in some special uses, like political powers.
- What is the difference between power and influence?
- **Power** can mean direct control or the ability to act. **Influence** means affecting someone more indirectly.
- Is power formal or informal?
- It is a common word in both everyday speech and formal writing. In academic English, it is used very often.
- Can power be a verb?
- Yes. As a verb, it means to supply energy to something or make it work.