A2noun1K

Power

UK /["/ˈpaʊə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈpaʊər/"]/

Definition

the ability to control people or things

In simple words: The ability to do something or to control people or things.

Examples

  • The power of the wind can generate electricity.
  • She has the power to influence people's decisions.
  • The power went out during the storm, leaving us in darkness.
  • The car's engine has a lot of power, allowing it to go very fast.
  • He felt a surge of power when he won the competition.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. In discussions about politics or leadership, 'power' often has a weighty connotation, while in casual settings it might refer to electricity or strength. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'power' like a battery — it gives energy and control.

Collocations

  • absolute
  • ultimate
  • considerable
  • come to
  • rise to
  • assume
  • be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/​something)
  • flow from somebody/​something
  • lie with somebody/​something
  • struggle
  • relations
  • structure
  • in power
  • in somebody’s power
  • power of
  • abuse of power
  • the balance of power
  • a bid for power
  • absolute
  • ultimate
  • considerable
  • come to
  • rise to
  • assume
  • be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/​something)
  • flow from somebody/​something
  • lie with somebody/​something
  • struggle
  • relations
  • structure
  • in power
  • in somebody’s power
  • power of
  • abuse of power
  • the balance of power
  • a bid for power
  • full
  • reduced
  • electric
  • generate
  • produce
  • provide (somebody/​something with)
  • drive something
  • run something
  • go off
  • cable
  • grid
  • line
  • power for
  • a source of power
  • full
  • reduced
  • electric
  • generate
  • produce
  • provide (somebody/​something with)
  • drive something
  • run something
  • go off
  • cable
  • grid
  • line
  • power for
  • a source of power
  • awesome
  • great
  • real
  • awesome
  • great
  • real
  • air
  • combat
  • military
  • have
  • possess
  • use
  • beyond somebody/​something’s power
  • in somebody’s power
  • within somebody’s power
  • at the height of your powers
  • at the peak of your powers
  • at the zenith of your powers
  • air
  • combat
  • military
  • have
  • possess
  • use
  • beyond somebody/​something’s power
  • in somebody’s power
  • within somebody’s power
  • at the height of your powers
  • at the peak of your powers
  • at the zenith of your powers
  • air
  • combat
  • military
  • have
  • possess
  • use
  • beyond somebody/​something’s power
  • in somebody’s power
  • within somebody’s power
  • at the height of your powers
  • at the peak of your powers
  • at the zenith of your powers
  • absolute
  • ultimate
  • considerable
  • come to
  • rise to
  • assume
  • be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/​something)
  • flow from somebody/​something
  • lie with somebody/​something
  • struggle
  • relations
  • structure
  • in power
  • in somebody’s power
  • power of
  • abuse of power
  • the balance of power
  • a bid for power
  • great
  • major
  • world
  • air
  • combat
  • military
  • have
  • possess
  • use
  • beyond somebody/​something’s power
  • in somebody’s power
  • within somebody’s power
  • at the height of your powers
  • at the peak of your powers
  • at the zenith of your powers
  • air
  • combat
  • military
  • have
  • possess
  • use
  • beyond somebody/​something’s power
  • in somebody’s power
  • within somebody’s power
  • at the height of your powers
  • at the peak of your powers
  • at the zenith of your powers
  • absolute
  • ultimate
  • considerable
  • come to
  • rise to
  • assume
  • be concentrated in (the hands of somebody/​something)
  • flow from somebody/​something
  • lie with somebody/​something
  • struggle
  • relations
  • structure
  • in power
  • in somebody’s power
  • power of
  • abuse of power
  • the balance of power
  • a bid for power

Synonyms

  • strength
  • control
  • influence
  • authority
  • might

Antonyms

  • weakness
  • ineffectiveness

Common mistakes

  • 'Power' as a verb — learners often mistakenly use 'power' when they mean to say 'empower'.
  • Confusing 'power' with 'might', as they have different nuances.
  • Misusing 'power' in phrases, e.g., 'the power of' requires a specified noun.