Cool MatePowers vs Superpowers
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Powers
Top 1,000 (very common)
Superpowers
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Powers
| Powers | Superpowers | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈpaʊəz//🇺🇸 //ˈpaʊərz// | 🇬🇧 //ˈsuːpəˌpaʊəz//🇺🇸 //ˈsuːpərˌpaʊərz// |
| Meaning | The ability to do something or control something. | Special abilities that people or characters have beyond normal limits. |
| Example | The government has the powers to implement new laws. | Superman is known for his incredible superpowers. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | abuse powers, exercise powers, transfer powers | mutant superpowers, superpowers of intuition, superhuman superpowers |
| Antonyms | weakness, impotence | weakness, powerlessness |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'power' as a singular form., Misused in phrases without proper context., Incorrectly used with plural verbs. | Confused with 'superior powers' - superpowers are unique abilities, not simply being better., Using in singular form - 'superpower' often refers to one power, while 'superpowers' typically refers to multiple., Mixing up with 'powers' - superpowers imply extraordinary abilities, whereas powers may refer to general capabilities. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts including politics, science, and personal abilities. Not usually used in casual conversation. | Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Often refers to abilities in comic books or movies, but can also be metaphorical. |
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Frequently asked questions: Powers vs Superpowers
What's the difference between Powers and Superpowers?
Powers: The ability to do something or control something. Superpowers: Special abilities that people or characters have beyond normal limits.
Which is more common: Powers and Superpowers?
Powers is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Powers: The government has the powers to implement new laws. Superpowers: Superman is known for his incredible superpowers.
Can I use Powers and Superpowers interchangeably?
Not always. Powers and Superpowers are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.