powered by

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Using something as the source of energy that makes a machine or vehicle work.

   Grammar: Follows the thing that is driven: a boat powered by wind.

   Patterns

   • something powered by something

   The scooter is powered by a small electric motor.

   The village is powered by a nearby river.

   These lights are powered by solar panels.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Working because of a particular technology, software or system, or driven by a certain force or feeling.

   Grammar: Extends to ideas and software: an app powered by AI.

   Patterns

   • powered by technology
   • powered by something

   The shop's checkout is powered by an online payment system.

   The team was powered by a strong will to win.

   Search results here are powered by a new algorithm.

Common combinations

powered by electricity

The train is powered by electricity from overhead wires.

powered by solar energy

The calculator is powered by solar energy.

powered by artificial intelligence

The assistant is powered by artificial intelligence.

powered by renewable sources

The city is powered by renewable sources.

battery-powered

It is a battery-powered toothbrush.

Synonyms and how they differ

driven by

Driven by works for machines but also for motives, like ambition, while powered by is mainly energy or technology.

run on

Run on is more casual and means using something as fuel.

operated by

Operated by means someone controls it, not that something supplies the energy.

fueled by

Fueled by implies burning fuel or a strong cause such as anger.

Opposites

Word family

power verb

to supply energy to something

power noun

energy that makes things work

powerful adjective

having great power

underpowered adjective

having too little power

Commonly confused: powered by or power by? powered by or powered with?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “powered by”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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