What does power mean?
Power is a broad word for the ability to act, influence, control, or accomplish something. It can describe personal capacity, as in someone with the power to persuade an audience, or political authority, as in a government exercising power. In physical contexts, it means the strength or force available for an action, while in mathematics it refers to repeated multiplication and in legal contexts to authority granted to act on another’s behalf. The word can carry either positive or negative connotations: it may suggest strength, competence, and autonomy, or domination, coercion, and excessive control. Its usefulness lies in its ability to connect the idea of ability with the idea of authority. Whether describing energy, governance, mathematics, or personal capacity, power consistently suggests capacity to produce an effect or exercise control.
The ability, capacity, or authority to act, influence, control, or accomplish something.
"The new technology has the power to transform ordinary tasks."
The noun is used in political, personal, physical, legal, mathematical, and technical contexts.
To give someone or something the ability, resources, or authority to act effectively.
"The course empowers participants to make their own decisions."
The verb is commonly used in professional and institutional contexts; its passive form, powered, is frequently used for machines and vehicles.
The plural is used for different forms or manifestations of power, for example, separate authorities or competing sources of influence.
"The competing powers negotiated a temporary agreement."
From the Latin potestas, meaning “power” or “dominion,” the word has always carried the idea of influence that reaches beyond physical strength.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of power
The English noun comes through Old French power from Latin potestas, a form related to potere, “to be able” or “to have power.” The verb developed in English with the sense of empowering or giving authority. Related words such as potent, potency, and possible reflect the same Latin root family, though their meanings and grammatical forms have diverged considerably.
Related word forms
How power is actually used
The noun is extremely common in both formal and informal contexts. “Power” can be positive, as in personal or political empowerment, or negative, as in excessive or coercive power. In mathematics, “power” is formal and usually appears in expressions such as “a high power” or “raised to the power of.”
Easily confused with power
Power is the ability or authority to act or influence, whereas force usually emphasizes the application of physical strength or pressure.
Power can refer to general strength or capacity, while authority more specifically means the right or power to give orders and make binding decisions.