Meaning & use
power
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Meanings
noununcountable
The ability to control people, events, or decisions.
Grammar: No plural in this general sense; often followed by “over” or “to.”
Patterns
- power over someone
- the power to do something
- abuse of power
- hold power
The manager has power over hiring decisions.
Voters have the power to change the government.
He was accused of using power to silence critics.
nounusually singular
Control of a country, organization, or political situation.
Grammar: Common in phrases like “in power” and “seize power.”
Patterns
- come to power
- in power
- seize power
- power struggle
The party came to power after a close election.
The general seized power in a coup.
A power struggle divided the committee.
noununcountablelegal
The legal right or authority to do something.
Grammar: Often used with “to” before an infinitive: the power to sign.
Patterns
- the power to veto
- give someone power
- within someone's power
The council has the power to close unsafe buildings.
It is within the court’s power to order a new trial.
The CEO gave her the power to approve budgets.
noununcountablephysicstechnical
In physics, the rate at which energy is used, transferred, or converted.
Grammar: A technical sense; measured in watts, not the same as energy itself.
Patterns
- electrical power
- power measured in watts
- generate power
A brighter bulb uses more electrical power.
Power is measured in watts rather than in joules.
The engine converts fuel into mechanical power.
noununcountable
The supply of electricity to a building or machine.
Grammar: Often used with “cut,” “restore,” or “supply.”
Patterns
- power cut
- restore power
- power supply
- lose power
The storm caused a power cut across the town.
Technicians worked overnight to restore power.
The hospital has a backup generator in case it loses power.
noununcountable
Physical force, strength, or the ability of a machine to perform work.
Grammar: Can refer to muscles, engines, or computing capacity.
Patterns
- muscle power
- engine power
- processing power
- raw power
The truck has enough power to climb steep hills.
Modern phones have remarkable processing power.
The swimmer used her legs to add power to the turn.
Common combinations
- power over
- He used his power over the budget to delay the project.
- in power
- The government had been in power for six years.
- power struggle
- A quiet power struggle affected every decision in the office.
- power supply
- The lab needs a stable power supply for its equipment.
- power plant
- A new power plant was built outside the city.
Synonyms and how they differ
- control
- Control is direct management; power can be broader influence, authority, or capacity.
- authority
- Authority is official permission or right; power may be unofficial or physical.
- influence
- Influence changes opinions indirectly and does not always imply control.
- strength
- Strength is physical force or quality; power can also mean authority or electrical supply.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: power or strength?
power vs strength
Strength usually means physical force or a strong quality; power is broader and can mean control, authority, or energy rate.
Practice
In physics, what does “power” measure?
Choose one answer.
Power is energy per unit time and is measured in watts. Stored energy is energy, not power; speed and temperature are different quantities.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “power”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.