What is power? Pronunciation and usage in English

power means . Learn how to pronounce and use power through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of power

powernoun

/ˈpaʊə/
Definition & pronunciation of power

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "power" in English. It's a little tricky because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /paʊər/ (This is the IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet representation)

Let's break that down:

  • "Pow": This part is like the word "pow" as in "powerline" or "powder." It's a short, quick sound. Your lips should be rounded slightly.
  • "er": This is pronounced like the "er" in "her" or "better." It's a short, airy sound, and the tongue should be relatively high in your mouth.

Here's a more descriptive explanation:

  1. Start with a "pow" sound: Think of the sound you make when you're surprised or when someone hits a volleyball.
  2. Follow it with a short "er" sound: It's similar to the "er" in "her."

Tips to help you:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are a few resources:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don't say "pooer": This is a very common mistake for non-native speakers.
  • Don't elongate the "o" sound: It's a short, quick sound.

To summarize: The key sound is the "pow" followed by the short "er" sound. Practice saying it slowly and then speed up!

Do you want me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation?
  • Give you more tips on pronunciation in general?

Usage and examples with the word power in English

Let's break down how to use the word "power" in English. It's a very versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a breakdown by category, with examples:

1. Physical Power (Strength & Force)

  • Definition: The ability to do something physically demanding.
  • Examples:
    • “He has a lot of power in his legs for sprinting.”
    • “The firefighters used hydraulic power to lift the car.”
    • “The hurricane’s power caused widespread damage.”

2. Energy & Ability (Capacity)

  • Definition: The capacity to act or produce an effect. This is a very common use.
  • Examples:
    • “The engine has a lot of power.” (Referring to engine strength)
    • “She has the power to persuade anyone.” (Referring to her persuasive ability)
    • “The internet provides access to a huge amount of powerful information.”
    • "This new software gives you the power to manage your projects more effectively.”

3. Authority & Influence

  • Definition: The ability to control or direct others; dominance.
  • Examples:
    • “The president has the power to veto legislation.” (Legal authority)
    • “He wielded his political power to get his agenda passed.” (Influence)
    • “The company’s corporate power gave them a huge advantage.”
    • “She has power over the team due to her experience.”

4. Electricity & Energy (Technical)

  • Definition: The rate at which electrical energy is used or produced.
  • Examples:
    • “The solar panels generate electrical power.”
    • “The backup generator provides power during a blackout.”
    • “The battery stores electrical power.”

5. Abstract Concepts & Concepts of “Force”

  • Definition: Can be used metaphorically to refer to things like influence, potential, capability, or control.
  • Examples:
    • “The power of love can conquer all.” (Strength of emotion)
    • “She has the power to change her life.” (Ability to act, potential)
    • “The power of suggestion is a fascinating phenomenon.” (Influence of ideas)
    • "Understanding the power of positive thinking can improve your outlook."

6. "Power" as a Noun (Referring to a System)

  • Definition: A system for producing and distributing energy.
  • Examples:
    • “The local power company provides electricity to the town.”
    • “The government is investing in renewable power sources.”

7. "Power" as a Verb (To Give or Have Control)

  • Definition: To give someone authority or control. Or, to exert influence.
  • Examples:
    • “The king gave his generals power over the army.”
    • “She hopes to power through the difficult project.” (To successfully complete something)
    • “He needs to power down the computer.” (To turn off)

Important Considerations & Related Words:

  • Powerful: (Adjective) Having great strength, influence, or effect. ("He is a powerful speaker.")
  • Powerless: (Adjective) Without power or influence; unable to act. ("She felt powerless in the face of the storm.")
  • Empower: (Verb) To give someone power or authority.
  • Empowerment: (Noun) The process of giving someone power or authority.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., Are you writing a story, a report, an email?)
  • What specific context are you using "power" in? (e.g., Are you talking about a person’s abilities, a machine, an abstract concept?)

Synonyms for the word power

Idioms of the word power

the corridors of power
(sometimes humorous)the higher levels of government, where important decisions are made
  • She had considerable influence in the corridors of power.
  • She was a minister with considerable influence in the corridors of power.
do somebody a power of good
(old-fashioned, informal)to be very good for somebody’s physical or mental health
  • A break would do us all a power of good.
more power to somebody’s elbow
(British English, old-fashioned, informal)used to encourage somebody or express support for their actions
    the (real) power behind the throne
    the person who really controls an organization, a country, etc. in contrast to the person who is legally in charge
    • His assistant was thought to be the real power behind the throne.
    the powers that be
    (often ironic)the people who control an organization, a country, etc.
    • The powers that be are still trying to decide what should be done.
    sweep (somebody) to power
    to win an election by a large number of votes; to make somebody win an election with a large number of votes

      Practice with vocabulary power

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The CEO wields immense ____ within the corporation, influencing all major strategic decisions.
      2. The company's marketing team has significant ____ over consumer purchasing habits.
      3. The new engine significantly increased the car's output ____, allowing it to accelerate much faster.
      4. The country's economic ____ relies heavily on its vast natural resources.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. Which of the following words best describes the ability to control or influence others, especially in a political or social context? a) Capacity b) Authority c) Power d) Command

      2. To what extent does a nation's military ____ affect its diplomatic negotiations on the global stage? a) force b) might c) strength d) power

      3. The new software update aims to enhance the system's processing ____, making it more efficient. a) capability b) power c) potency d) capacity

      4. Despite their limited financial resources, the grassroots movement has considerable ____ to mobilize public opinion. a) sway b) influence c) control d) authority

      5. The success of the project was largely attributed to the team's combined ____ and meticulous planning. a) capacity b) expertise c) capability d) resources

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The company's ability to dominate the market grew significantly after the merger. (Rewrite using "power")
      2. Through his inspiring speeches, the leader was able to move the entire nation. (Rewrite using "power" or a related word form)
      3. The research group possessed all the necessary skills and knowledge to solve the complex problem. (Rewrite without using "power")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. power
      2. influence
      3. power
      4. potential

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. b) Authority, c) Power, d) Command
      2. a) force, b) might, c) strength, d) power
      3. a) capability, b) power, d) capacity
      4. a) sway, b) influence
      5. b) expertise, d) resources

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The company's market power grew significantly after the merger.
      2. The leader's inspiring speeches were powerful enough to move the entire nation.
      3. The research group possessed all the necessary expertise and knowledge to solve the complex problem.

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