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power

A2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pˈaʊə/

US

  • /ˈpaʊər/

Description

Power is not just about muscles or force. It is the ability to do something, to control what happens, or to affect people and events. A powerful storm can knock down trees, a powerful engine can move a car fast, and a powerful speech can change how people think.

You can also see it in everyday life. Your phone needs power to turn on and work. A leader may have power over a group or a country. Even kindness can have power because it can lift people up and inspire them. In the end, the idea is simple: it is about having the ability to make something happen.

Examples

  1. 1

    Electricity outage

    The power went out during the storm.

  2. 2

    Battery energy

    This battery can store enough power to run the radio all night.

  3. 3

    Local authority

    The new law gives local councils more power over housing decisions.

    • Pattern

      power over + person/thing

      control or influence over them

  4. 4

    Personal choice

    She finally had the power to choose her own career.

    • Pattern

      the power to do + something

      the ability or right to do it

  5. 5

    Legal authority

    The president has the power to veto the bill.

  6. 6

    Corporate influence

    Many people believe money gives large companies too much power.

  7. 7

    Election result

    After the election, a new party came to power.

    • Phrase

      come to power

      start controlling a government or organization

  8. 8

    Political office

    He stayed in power for ten years.

    • Phrase

      in power

      controlling a government or organization

  9. 9

    Engine performance

    The engine delivers plenty of power for driving up steep hills.

  10. 10

    Energy source

    The website is powered by renewable energy.

    • Pattern

      powered by + source

      using something as its source of energy or support

  11. 11

    Working hard

    We powered through the last few pages before the meeting.

    • Pattern

      power through + task

      keep going until it is finished, even if it is hard

See also

nounthe ability or authority to control, influence, or act

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • political power
  • abuse of power
  • come to power
  • power over someone

Word family

Explore

  • hierarchy
  • legitimacy

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • powernounverb

Forms

  • powerspluralnounverb
  • poweredpast tenseverbnoun
  • powering-ing formverbnoun