Meaning & use
omnipotence
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UK/ɒmˈnɪp.ə.təns/
US/ɑːmˈnɪp.ə.təns/
Meaning
noununcountableformal
The quality of having unlimited power; often attributed to a deity.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with a singular verb.
Patterns
- the omnipotence of God
- believe in omnipotence
- attribute omnipotence to
Theologians debate the concept of divine omnipotence.
In many religions, omnipotence is one of God's key attributes.
The king's subjects believed in his omnipotence.
Common combinations
- divine omnipotence
- The prayer praises divine omnipotence.
- the omnipotence of God
- The omnipotence of God is a central tenet of the faith.
- a belief in omnipotence
- His belief in omnipotence gave him comfort.
Synonyms and how they differ
- almightiness
- Similar meaning but less common; 'omnipotence' is the standard term.
- supremacy
- Refers to highest authority or power, often in political contexts; 'omnipotence' implies unlimited power.
Opposites
Word family
- omnipotent adjective
- Having unlimited power.
Commonly confused: omnipotence or omniscience? omnipotence or omnipresence?
omnipotence vs omniscience
Means knowing everything, not having unlimited power.
omnipotence vs omnipresence
Means being present everywhere, not all-powerful.
Practice
Which word means 'having unlimited power'?
Choose one answer.
'Omnipotence' is unlimited power. 'Omniscience' is all-knowing, 'omnipresence' is present everywhere, and 'omission' is leaving something out.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “omnipotence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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