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B1 noun #34 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

powers

Top 34

At the A1 level, 'powers' is a word you might hear when talking about superheroes or magic. Think of Superman or Elsa from Frozen. They have 'powers' like flying or making ice. It means they can do special things that normal people cannot do. You might also hear it in very simple math, like 'ten to the power of two'. For now, just remember that 'powers' means 'special abilities'. You can use it to talk about your favorite characters in movies or books. For example, 'Spider-Man has amazing powers.' It is almost always used with an 's' at the end when talking about these abilities. It is a fun and easy word to use when you are describing people who are very strong or special.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'powers' to describe more than just superheroes. You can use it to talk about people's natural talents. For example, if someone is very good at seeing small details, you can say they have 'great powers of observation'. It means they are very good at looking at things. You might also hear about 'world powers', which are big, strong countries like the USA or China. In this level, you should start to see that 'powers' is about having the ability to do something important. It's not just about magic; it's about being strong or smart in real life. You can also use it in the phrase 'the power of', like 'the power of music', but 'powers' (plural) is usually for specific skills.

At the B1 level, 'powers' becomes a very useful word for talking about authority and law. You will learn that it refers to the legal right to do something. For example, a police officer has the 'powers of arrest'. This means the law says they are allowed to arrest people. You will also hear about the 'separation of powers' in government, which means the different parts of the government (like the leaders and the judges) have different jobs and different 'powers'. This is an important word for understanding how a country works. You can also use it to describe mental abilities more formally, such as 'powers of concentration' or 'powers of persuasion'. It is a step up from just saying 'skills' or 'abilities'.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'powers' in complex political and legal discussions. You will understand terms like 'delegated powers' (authority given to someone else) or 'emergency powers' (special rights given during a crisis). You will also encounter the idiom 'the powers that be', which refers to the people in control of a situation. At this level, you should notice how 'powers' is used in academic writing to describe the influence of different nations or organizations. You can use it to analyze history, such as the 'Great Powers' of the 19th century. It is a word that helps you talk about influence, authority, and the structure of society in a more sophisticated way.

At the C1 level, you will explore the more nuanced and philosophical uses of 'powers'. You might read about 'the powers of the human mind' in a psychology textbook or 'discretionary powers' in a legal document. 'Discretionary powers' are the rights of an official to make decisions based on their own judgment. You will also see 'powers' used in literature to describe a character's internal strength or their influence over others. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'powers', 'authorities', and 'prerogatives'. You will use 'powers' to discuss complex international relations and the balance of influence between global actors. Your use of the word will be precise, reflecting an understanding of its legal, political, and metaphorical depths.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'powers' in all its forms. You can use it in highly technical legal contexts, such as discussing 'plenary powers' (absolute authority) or 'quasi-judicial powers'. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can use 'powers' with great rhetorical effect in speeches or high-level academic papers. You are also familiar with obscure idioms and literary references involving the word. Whether you are analyzing the 'powers of the soul' in a philosophical treatise or the 'powers of the state' in a constitutional analysis, your usage is flawless, nuanced, and contextually perfect. You see 'powers' as a fundamental concept that describes the very nature of capacity and authority in the human experience.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

powers en 30 secondes

Refers to specific mental or physical abilities like 'powers of observation'.
Denotes legal or official authority granted to a person or institution.
Describes influential nations on the global stage, such as 'world powers'.
Used in mathematics to refer to exponents, like 'powers of ten'.

The word powers is the plural form of the noun 'power', and it encompasses a fascinating spectrum of meanings ranging from the supernatural to the strictly legal. At its core, 'powers' refers to the specific abilities, capacities, or authorities held by an individual, a group, or an entity. When we speak of a person's 'powers', we are often referring to their mental or physical faculties. For instance, as people age, they might worry about losing their 'powers of concentration' or 'powers of recall'. In this context, the word suggests an internal strength or a functional capability that allows someone to perform specific tasks effectively. It is not just about raw strength, but about the specialized application of ability.

Innate Abilities: This refers to natural talents or mental faculties, such as the 'powers of persuasion' or 'powers of observation'. It implies a high level of skill that is inherent to the person's character or intellect.

Beyond the individual, 'powers' is a fundamental term in political science and law. Here, it refers to the legal right or authority to act in a certain way. In a democracy, we often discuss the 'separation of powers', which is the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches each have their own specific 'powers' granted by a constitution. This usage is formal and precise, indicating that the authority is not just a capability but a sanctioned right. If a leader exceeds their 'powers', they are acting outside the law, which can lead to constitutional crises.

The constitution clearly defines the powers of the presidency to ensure a system of checks and balances.

In popular culture, particularly in the realm of science fiction and fantasy, 'powers' almost exclusively refers to 'superpowers'. These are extraordinary abilities that go beyond human limits, such as flight, invisibility, or telekinesis. When a child asks, 'What are your favorite powers?', they are likely thinking of Spider-Man or Wonder Woman. This usage has become so ubiquitous that even in professional settings, someone might jokingly refer to a colleague's 'excel powers' or 'coding powers', borrowing the superhero metaphor to describe exceptional professional skill.

Furthermore, 'powers' can describe influential nations or organizations on the global stage. We refer to 'world powers' or 'great powers' to describe countries that possess significant economic, military, and diplomatic influence. This usage shifts the focus from internal ability to external dominance and international standing. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were the dominant 'superpowers'. Today, the term is used to analyze the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, where emerging 'powers' seek to influence international policy and trade.

Geopolitical Influence: Refers to nations that have the capacity to affect events on a global scale through military or economic might.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the major world powers to discuss climate change.

Finally, in mathematics, 'powers' refers to exponents. If you say 'two to the power of three', you are performing a calculation where a number is multiplied by itself a certain number of times. While this is a technical usage, it is essential for anyone studying STEM subjects. In this context, 'powers' represents a scale of magnitude. This mathematical foundation also gives rise to the metaphorical use of 'powers of ten' to describe things that increase or decrease in scale very rapidly. Whether you are talking about a superhero's strength, a judge's authority, or a mathematical calculation, 'powers' always implies a capacity to effect change or exert influence.

In her old age, she remained in full possession of her mental powers.

Mathematical Exponents: The product of multiplying a number by itself one or more times, often expressed as 'to the power of'.

The detective's powers of deduction were legendary in the city.

Using the word powers correctly requires an understanding of the specific context, as the word shifts slightly in meaning depending on whether you are talking about law, politics, science, or personal ability. In general, 'powers' is used as a plural noun to denote a collection of capabilities or authorities. It is frequently paired with specific modifiers that define the nature of those powers. For example, in a professional or academic setting, you might refer to someone's 'analytical powers' or 'creative powers'. These phrases highlight specific mental strengths. When constructing these sentences, 'powers' usually acts as the object of a verb like 'possess', 'exercise', or 'demonstrate'.

The CEO exercised her powers to restructure the entire marketing department.

In legal and political contexts, 'powers' is often used with the preposition 'of' or 'to'. Common phrases include 'powers of attorney', 'powers of the state', or 'powers to tax'. When you use 'powers' in this way, you are talking about formal, delegated authority. It is important to note that 'powers' in this sense is almost always plural because a legal entity rarely has just one single authority; rather, it has a suite of different rights. For instance, a police officer has the 'powers of arrest' and the 'powers of search and seizure'. Using the singular 'power' in these specific legal phrases would often sound incorrect or incomplete.

Legal Phrasing: Use 'powers' when referring to specific legal rights granted by a document or law. Example: 'The board was granted emergency powers.'

When discussing international relations, 'powers' is used as a count noun to refer to countries. You might say, 'The Western powers agreed on a new trade deal.' Here, 'powers' functions as a synonym for 'nations' or 'states', but with an added emphasis on their strength and influence. You can modify this with adjectives like 'major', 'great', 'global', or 'emerging'. This usage is very common in news reporting and history books. It helps to categorize countries based on their level of influence in the world order.

The conflict drew in several regional powers, complicating the peace process.

In everyday conversation, 'powers' is often used in the context of health and aging. A common expression is 'to be in full possession of one's powers', which means to be mentally and physically sharp. Conversely, one might say their 'powers are failing' if they are becoming weaker or more forgetful. This usage is somewhat formal but very expressive. It treats a person's abilities as a set of assets that can be maintained or lost over time. It is a respectful way to talk about someone's capabilities.

Finally, 'powers' is used in the idiom 'the powers that be', which refers to the people who are in control of a situation or organization, often used when their identity is not specifically known or when they seem distant and unapproachable. This is a very common phrase in both British and American English. It carries a slight tone of frustration or resignation, suggesting that the speaker has little control over the decisions made by these high-level authorities. Understanding these varied sentence patterns allows you to use 'powers' with precision across different domains of life.

Idiomatic Usage: 'The powers that be' is a fixed phrase. Do not change it to 'the powers that are' or 'the power that is'.

We are waiting for a decision from the powers that be regarding the budget cuts.

In summary, whether you are describing a nation's influence, a lawyer's authority, a student's mental faculties, or a superhero's flight, 'powers' serves as a versatile noun that highlights the specific capacities that allow an entity to act upon the world. By paying attention to the adjectives and prepositions that accompany it, you can master its use in any context.

You will encounter the word powers in a wide variety of real-world settings, from the high-stakes environment of international diplomacy to the casual chatter of a comic book convention. One of the most common places to hear 'powers' is in the news, particularly during reports on government actions or international conflicts. News anchors often speak about 'the powers of the presidency' or 'the powers of the European Union'. In these contexts, the word is used to define the boundaries of what a person or organization is legally allowed to do. If you listen to political debates, you will hear candidates arguing about whether certain 'powers' should be expanded or restricted.

'The governor has used his emergency powers to declare a state of disaster,' the reporter announced.

In the legal profession, 'powers' is a daily staple. Lawyers and judges frequently discuss 'powers of attorney', which is a legal document giving one person the authority to act for another. You might hear a family lawyer explain, 'You need to grant your son powers of attorney so he can manage your finances.' Similarly, in courtrooms, the 'powers of the court' are often invoked to justify a judge's ruling. If you are reading a contract or a piece of legislation, you will see 'powers' used to list specific rights and responsibilities. It is a word that signifies formal, structured authority.

Legal Contexts: Commonly heard in law offices, courtrooms, and when discussing legal documents like wills and contracts.

If you are a fan of movies and television, especially the Marvel or DC universes, you hear 'powers' constantly. Characters are defined by their 'powers'. You might hear a dialogue like, 'He hasn't learned to control his powers yet,' or 'Her powers are growing stronger every day.' In this fictional context, 'powers' is synonymous with 'abilities' but carries a sense of the extraordinary. This has bled into gaming culture as well, where players talk about their character's 'special powers' or 'unlocking new powers' as they progress through a game.

'With great powers comes great responsibility,' is perhaps the most famous movie quote using the word.

In academic and scientific circles, 'powers' appears in discussions of psychology and mathematics. A psychologist might talk about a child's 'powers of reasoning' or 'cognitive powers'. In a math class, the teacher will explain 'powers of ten' or 'raising a number to the third power'. While these are different meanings, they both appear in educational settings. You will also hear 'powers' in history classes when discussing 'The Axis Powers' or 'The Allied Powers' of World War II, or the 'Great Powers' of the 19th century. In these cases, it is a way of grouping influential nations together.

Finally, in everyday workplace environments, you might hear 'powers' used in a slightly metaphorical or idiomatic way. A manager might say, 'It's beyond my powers to give you a raise; you'll have to talk to the director.' This uses the legal sense of authority in a more casual, organizational context. Or, someone might refer to 'the powers that be' when complaining about a new office policy. Whether in a comic book, a courtroom, a classroom, or a cubicle, 'powers' is a word that helps us describe who can do what and how much influence they have.

Workplace Usage: Used to describe the limits of one's job authority or to refer to high-level management.

The professor's powers of explanation made the complex theory easy to understand.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word powers is confusing it with the singular 'power'. While they are related, they are often used in distinct ways. 'Power' usually refers to the general concept of strength, energy, or control (e.g., 'The power went out' or 'He has a lot of power in the company'). 'Powers', in the plural, almost always refers to specific, enumerable abilities or legal authorities. For example, you wouldn't say 'The president has the power of arrest'; you would say 'The president has the powers of...' or 'The police have the powers of arrest'. Using the singular when the plural is expected can make your English sound less precise, especially in legal or formal contexts.

Incorrect: He lost his mental power as he got older.
Correct: He lost his mental powers as he got older.

Another common error is using the wrong preposition after 'powers'. As mentioned before, 'powers' is most commonly followed by 'of' (powers of observation, powers of attorney, powers of the state). Learners sometimes mistakenly use 'for' or 'to' in these fixed phrases. For instance, saying 'powers for observation' sounds unnatural. However, 'powers to' is correct when followed by a verb, such as 'powers to tax' or 'powers to regulate'. The mistake happens when learners mix these up, using 'of' with a verb or 'to' with a noun. Consistency in these patterns is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Preposition Pitfalls: Remember: 'Powers of' + Noun (powers of deduction) and 'Powers to' + Verb (powers to arrest).

In the context of 'the powers that be', a common mistake is to try and modify the phrase. Because it is an idiom, it is fixed. You cannot say 'the powers that are' or 'the powers that were' to refer to current or past authorities. Even if you are talking about the past, the phrase 'the powers that be' is often used as a set title for whoever was in charge at that time. Changing the verb 'be' makes the phrase lose its idiomatic meaning and can confuse the listener. It is best to treat it as a single, unchangeable unit of language.

Learners also sometimes struggle with the capitalization of 'powers'. In general, it should be lowercase. However, when referring to specific historical alliances, it must be capitalized. For example, 'The Allied Powers' and 'The Central Powers' are proper nouns. Failing to capitalize these in a history essay is a common grammatical error. Conversely, do not capitalize 'powers' when talking about 'world powers' in a general sense. Understanding when 'powers' becomes part of a proper name is a subtle but important distinction for advanced writing.

Incorrect: The Great powers met in 1815.
Correct: The Great Powers met in 1815.

Finally, there is the confusion between 'powers' and 'forces'. While both can refer to influence, 'forces' usually implies physical strength or military units (e.g., 'armed forces'), whereas 'powers' implies the authority or the entity itself. You wouldn't say 'The powers are moving toward the border' if you mean soldiers; you would say 'The forces are moving'. However, you could say 'The world powers are negotiating', referring to the nations themselves. Keeping these nuances in mind will help you avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this versatile word.

Powers vs. Forces: Use 'powers' for authority and influence; use 'forces' for physical or military strength.

Depending on the context, there are several words that can serve as synonyms or alternatives to powers. Understanding these alternatives will help you vary your vocabulary and choose the most precise word for your meaning. When 'powers' refers to personal capabilities, the most common synonyms are 'abilities', 'faculties', 'talents', and 'capacities'. 'Abilities' is the most general term. 'Faculties' is often used specifically for mental or physical functions, like 'mental faculties'. 'Capacities' often refers to the potential to do something or the volume of what someone can handle.

Abilities vs. Powers: 'Abilities' is neutral and common. 'Powers' often suggests something more impressive, innate, or comprehensive.

In a legal or official context, 'powers' can be replaced by 'authorities', 'mandates', 'jurisdictions', or 'prerogatives'. 'Authorities' is very close in meaning but often refers to the people in charge rather than the rights themselves. A 'mandate' is a specific instruction or authority given by an electorate or a higher body. 'Jurisdiction' refers to the geographic or topical area where someone has the 'power' to make decisions. 'Prerogative' refers to an exclusive right or privilege, often held by a high-ranking official or a monarch. Using 'prerogative' instead of 'powers' adds a sense of exclusivity and high status.

The judge's powers (or jurisdiction) do not extend to cases outside of this county.

When referring to 'world powers', alternatives include 'nations', 'states', 'superpowers', 'empires', or 'influential actors'. 'Nations' and 'states' are neutral terms. 'Superpowers' is used for the most dominant countries. 'Influential actors' is a more modern, academic term used in political science to include non-state entities like the UN or large corporations that also hold significant 'power'. Choosing 'actors' instead of 'powers' can make your writing sound more contemporary and analytical.

In the mathematical sense, 'powers' is synonymous with 'exponents' or 'indices'. While 'powers' is common in everyday math talk ('two to the third power'), 'exponents' is the more formal mathematical term. If you are writing a technical paper, 'exponents' might be preferred. However, in the phrase 'powers of ten', 'powers' is almost always used. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to your audience, whether you are speaking to a child about superheroes or writing a legal brief for a judge.

Faculties vs. Powers: 'Faculties' is specifically used for the senses and mental functions (e.g., 'the faculty of sight'). 'Powers' is broader.

She has a remarkable power (or talent) for making people feel at ease.

Finally, consider the word 'potency' or 'efficacy' when talking about the strength of something like a medicine or a persuasive argument. While 'powers' can be used ('the healing powers of the herb'), 'potency' is more scientific and 'efficacy' refers specifically to how well something works. By exploring these similar words, you gain a deeper appreciation for the specific 'powers' of the English language to convey subtle differences in meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The mathematical use of 'powers' (exponents) dates back to the 16th century, reflecting the idea of a number's 'strength' growing as it is multiplied.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpaʊ.əz/

US /ˈpaʊ.ɚz/

The stress is on the first syllable: POW-ers.

Rime avec

flowers showers towers hours ours devours scours sour's

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a voiced 'z'.
Dropping the 'w' sound, making it sound like 'pars'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'pores' or 'pours'.
Not pronouncing the 'r' at all in American English.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but legal uses can be complex.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific collocations like 'powers of attorney'.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in everyday talk about movies and skills.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but must distinguish from 'pores' or 'pours'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

power able strong rule skill

Apprends ensuite

authority jurisdiction mandate influence sovereignty

Avancé

plenary statutory discretionary prerogative hegemony

Grammaire à connaître

Plural Noun Agreement

The powers *are* (not is) clearly defined.

Prepositional Collocation

Powers *of* observation (not for).

Infinitive after 'Powers'

The power *to* act (not of acting).

Capitalization of Proper Nouns

The Central Powers (historical group).

Fixed Idiomatic Phrases

The powers that *be* (subjunctive form).

Exemples par niveau

Superman has many amazing powers.

Superman a beaucoup de pouvoirs incroyables.

Plural noun 'powers' used for abilities.

What are your favorite superhero powers?

Quels sont tes pouvoirs de super-héros préférés ?

Question form with 'what are'.

The wizard used his magic powers.

Le sorcier a utilisé ses pouvoirs magiques.

Possessive adjective 'his' before 'powers'.

She wishes she had the powers of flight.

Elle aimerait avoir le pouvoir de voler.

'Powers of' followed by a noun.

The robot has special powers.

Le robot a des pouvoirs spéciaux.

Adjective 'special' modifying 'powers'.

Do you believe in magic powers?

Crois-tu aux pouvoirs magiques ?

Simple present question.

He has the powers to jump very high.

Il a le pouvoir de sauter très haut.

'Powers to' followed by a verb.

The movie is about kids with powers.

Le film parle d'enfants avec des pouvoirs.

Prepositional phrase 'with powers'.

The detective has great powers of observation.

Le détective a de grands pouvoirs d'observation.

Abstract noun phrase 'powers of observation'.

The USA and China are world powers.

Les États-Unis et la Chine sont des puissances mondiales.

Compound noun 'world powers'.

She is losing her powers of hearing.

Elle perd ses capacités auditives.

Present continuous tense.

The king had many powers over his people.

Le roi avait de nombreux pouvoirs sur son peuple.

Preposition 'over' showing control.

He used his powers of persuasion to get the job.

Il a utilisé ses pouvoirs de persuasion pour obtenir le travail.

Noun phrase 'powers of persuasion'.

The storm showed the powers of nature.

La tempête a montré les puissances de la nature.

Genitive construction 'powers of nature'.

We studied the powers of ten in math class.

Nous avons étudié les puissances de dix en cours de maths.

Mathematical term.

The police have the powers to stop cars.

La police a le pouvoir d'arrêter les voitures.

'Powers to' + infinitive.

The constitution limits the powers of the president.

La constitution limite les pouvoirs du président.

Formal legal context.

You must sign the powers of attorney document.

Vous devez signer le document de procuration.

Fixed legal phrase 'powers of attorney'.

The separation of powers is important for democracy.

La séparation des pouvoirs est importante pour la démocratie.

Political science term.

The board has the powers to fire the manager.

Le conseil d'administration a le pouvoir de licencier le directeur.

Institutional authority.

She was in full possession of her mental powers.

Elle était en pleine possession de ses facultés mentales.

Idiomatic expression.

The treaty was signed by the major European powers.

Le traité a été signé par les principales puissances européennes.

Historical/Geopolitical usage.

The committee was given emergency powers during the crisis.

Le comité a reçu des pouvoirs d'urgence pendant la crise.

Passive voice 'was given'.

His powers of concentration are quite remarkable.

Ses facultés de concentration sont tout à fait remarquables.

Subject-verb agreement (powers are).

The powers that be have decided to close the factory.

Les autorités en place ont décidé de fermer l'usine.

Idiom 'the powers that be'.

The minister exceeded his statutory powers.

Le ministre a outrepassé ses pouvoirs réglementaires.

Adjective 'statutory' (defined by law).

The rise of emerging powers is changing the global economy.

La montée des puissances émergentes change l'économie mondiale.

Present continuous with 'is changing'.

The court has the powers to overturn the previous ruling.

Le tribunal a le pouvoir d'annuler la décision précédente.

Legal authority.

He has a unique set of creative powers.

Il possède un ensemble unique de pouvoirs créatifs.

Collective noun 'set of'.

The conflict between the great powers led to the war.

Le conflit entre les grandes puissances a mené à la guerre.

Historical analysis.

The agency was granted broad powers of investigation.

L'agence s'est vu accorder de larges pouvoirs d'enquête.

Adjective 'broad' modifying 'powers'.

Her powers of deduction are second to none.

Ses facultés de déduction sont inégalées.

Idiom 'second to none'.

The delegation of powers to local authorities was a key reform.

La délégation de pouvoirs aux autorités locales était une réforme clé.

Noun 'delegation' with 'of powers'.

The monarch's powers are now largely ceremonial.

Les pouvoirs du monarque sont désormais largement cérémoniels.

Adverb 'largely' modifying 'ceremonial'.

He argued that the state had overstepped its powers.

Il a soutenu que l'État avait outrepassé ses pouvoirs.

Verb 'overstepped' meaning exceeded.

The treaty defines the respective powers of the member states.

Le traité définit les pouvoirs respectifs des États membres.

Adjective 'respective'.

Her intellectual powers remained sharp until the end.

Ses facultés intellectuelles sont restées vives jusqu'à la fin.

Adjective 'intellectual'.

The act conferred new powers on the regulatory body.

La loi a conféré de nouveaux pouvoirs à l'organisme de réglementation.

Verb 'conferred' meaning granted.

The shifting balance between world powers creates uncertainty.

L'équilibre changeant entre les puissances mondiales crée de l'incertitude.

Participle 'shifting' as an adjective.

The judge exercised his discretionary powers to reduce the sentence.

Le juge a exercé ses pouvoirs discrétionnaires pour réduire la peine.

Adjective 'discretionary'.

The doctrine of plenary powers grants absolute authority in certain matters.

La doctrine des pouvoirs pléniers accorde une autorité absolue dans certaines matières.

Legal term 'plenary powers'.

The novel explores the corrosive nature of absolute powers.

Le roman explore la nature corrosive des pouvoirs absolus.

Literary analysis.

The executive's attempt to usurp legislative powers was met with resistance.

La tentative de l'exécutif d'usurper les pouvoirs législatifs a rencontré une résistance.

Verb 'usurp' meaning to take illegally.

The interplay between hard and soft powers is a central theme in modern diplomacy.

L'interaction entre les pouvoirs forts et doux est un thème central de la diplomatie moderne.

Political science concepts 'hard' and 'soft' powers.

She possessed the powers of a polyglot, mastering ten languages.

Elle possédait les facultés d'un polyglotte, maîtrisant dix langues.

Metaphorical use of 'powers'.

The constitutional court is the final arbiter of the state's powers.

La cour constitutionnelle est l'arbitre final des pouvoirs de l'État.

Noun 'arbiter'.

The ancient text speaks of the hidden powers of the soul.

Le texte ancien parle des pouvoirs cachés de l'âme.

Philosophical/Mystical context.

The divestment of powers from the central government was a radical move.

Le désengagement des pouvoirs du gouvernement central était une mesure radicale.

Noun 'divestment'.

Collocations courantes

emergency powers

powers of observation

world powers

powers of attorney

separation of powers

mental powers

powers of ten

supernatural powers

statutory powers

powers of persuasion

Phrases Courantes

in full possession of one's powers

the powers that be

beyond one's powers

within one's powers

grant powers

exercise powers

curtail powers

delegated powers

plenary powers

powers of the mind

Souvent confondu avec

powers vs power

Power is general; powers are specific. 'The power of love' vs 'The powers of the president'.

powers vs forces

Forces are usually physical or military; powers are usually authoritative or mental.

powers vs abilities

Abilities is more common and less formal than powers.

Expressions idiomatiques

"the powers that be"

The established authorities or people in control. It is often used with a sense of resignation.

The powers that be decided to cancel the project.

informal/neutral

"with great power comes great responsibility"

A famous saying (often associated with Spider-Man) meaning that if you have authority, you must use it wisely.

As the new manager, remember: with great power comes great responsibility.

popular culture

"powers of darkness"

Evil forces or influences, often used in a religious or fictional context.

In the story, the hero must fight the powers of darkness.

literary

"a power of good"

A large amount of good; something very beneficial. (Note: 'power' is singular here but related).

A holiday would do you a power of good.

informal/British

"powers that be"

People in charge, usually used when their identity is vague.

We are waiting for the powers that be to make a statement.

neutral

"rise to power"

The process of gaining control or authority.

The documentary tracks his rapid rise to power.

neutral

"corridors of power"

The places where high-level political decisions are made.

He is well-known in the corridors of power in Washington.

journalistic

"balance of power"

A situation where different groups or nations have equal influence, preventing any one from dominating.

The treaty was designed to maintain the balance of power in Europe.

formal/political

"power play"

An aggressive move to gain an advantage or control.

The hostile takeover was a classic corporate power play.

business

"more power to your elbow"

An expression used to encourage someone or wish them success.

You're starting your own business? More power to your elbow!

informal/British

Facile à confondre

powers vs pores

Homophone (sounds the same).

Pores are small openings in the skin; powers are abilities.

Sweat comes out of your pores.

powers vs pours

Homophone.

Pours is a verb meaning to flow; powers is a noun.

She pours the water into the glass.

powers vs pause

Similar sound.

Pause is a temporary stop; powers are abilities.

Please pause the video.

powers vs paws

Homophone in some accents.

Paws are animal feet; powers are abilities.

The dog has muddy paws.

powers vs pros

Similar sound.

Pros are advantages or professionals; powers are abilities.

What are the pros and cons?

Structures de phrases

I have [Adjective] powers.

I have magic powers.

He has powers of [Noun].

He has powers of observation.

The [Entity] has the powers to [Verb].

The police have the powers to arrest.

It is beyond my powers to [Verb].

It is beyond my powers to help you.

The [Adjective] powers of the [Noun] are [Adjective].

The discretionary powers of the judge are limited.

The [Noun] overstepped its [Adjective] powers.

The executive overstepped its constitutional powers.

In full possession of one's powers.

She is in full possession of her powers.

The powers that be.

We must wait for the powers that be.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in news, law, and fiction.

Erreurs courantes

The power of observation. → The powers of observation.
When referring to a specific mental faculty, the plural 'powers' is more idiomatic.
The powers that are. → The powers that be.
This is a fixed idiom. You cannot change the verb 'be'.
He has the powers for arrest. → He has the powers of arrest.
The correct preposition in this legal phrase is 'of'.
The allied powers won the war. → The Allied Powers won the war.
In a historical context, this is a proper noun and must be capitalized.
What is his superhero power? → What are his superhero powers?
Unless referring to one specific ability, 'powers' is usually plural in this context.

Astuces

Use Plural for Abilities

When talking about what someone can do well, use 'powers' with an 's'. For example, 'Her powers of reasoning are great.'

Powers of vs. Powers to

Use 'powers of' before a noun (powers of deduction) and 'powers to' before a verb (powers to arrest).

Fixed Idiom

Never change 'the powers that be' to 'the powers that are'. It is a fixed historical phrase.

Synonym Choice

Use 'faculties' if you want to sound very formal or academic when talking about the mind.

Geopolitics

When writing about history, remember to capitalize 'Powers' if it's part of a specific group name like 'The Allied Powers'.

Mathematical Powers

In math, 'powers' and 'exponents' mean the same thing. 'Powers' is more common in speech.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'powers' for every skill. Use 'skills' or 'talents' for things like cooking or sports.

Legal Precision

In legal contexts, 'powers' refers to specific rights. Always check the exact wording in the law.

Don't Confuse with Pours

Remember that 'powers' has an 'e'. 'Pours' (like pouring water) does not.

The 'Z' Sound

The 's' at the end of 'powers' sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'pow-erz'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'POW!' like a superhero punch. Superheroes have many 'POW-ers'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge's gavel (legal powers) next to a superhero's cape (extraordinary powers) and a world map (world powers).

Word Web

Superpowers Legal Powers World Powers Mental Powers Mathematical Powers Emergency Powers Powers of Attorney Separation of Powers

Défi

Try to write a paragraph using 'powers' in three different ways: as a superhero ability, a legal right, and a mental faculty.

Origine du mot

The word 'powers' comes from the Old French 'poeir', which meant 'to be able'. This was derived from the Vulgar Latin 'potere', a variation of the Classical Latin 'posse'. It entered the English language in the 13th century.

Sens originel : The original meaning was simply 'ability' or 'capacity'. Over time, it expanded to include legal authority and physical strength.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French > English.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'powers' in a religious context, as it can refer to spiritual entities which may be sensitive for some.

In the US, 'powers' is often discussed in relation to the Constitution. In the UK, it might refer to the 'powers of the Crown'.

The US Constitution (Article I, Section 8 lists the powers of Congress). Spider-Man's 'With great power comes great responsibility'. The Axis and Allied Powers of WWII.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics and Government

separation of powers
executive powers
legislative powers
emergency powers

Law

powers of attorney
powers of arrest
statutory powers
discretionary powers

Fiction and Fantasy

supernatural powers
magic powers
hidden powers
special powers

Personal Ability

powers of observation
powers of concentration
mental powers
powers of persuasion

Mathematics

powers of ten
raised to the power of
square powers
cube powers

Amorces de conversation

"If you could have any superhero powers, what would they be?"

"Do you think the powers of the government should be more limited?"

"Who do you think are the most influential world powers today?"

"How do you keep your mental powers sharp as you get older?"

"Have you ever had to use your powers of persuasion to get what you wanted?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you used your powers of observation to solve a problem.

Write about a fictional character with unique powers and how they use them.

Reflect on the 'powers that be' in your life. Who has authority over you, and is it fair?

If you were granted emergency powers for one day, what changes would you make?

Discuss the importance of the separation of powers in a modern society.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

When referring to specific abilities or legal authorities, it is almost always plural. However, 'power' in the singular is used for the general concept of strength or energy.

It refers to the people in charge of a situation, often used when you don't know exactly who they are or when they seem unhelpful.

Both are correct. 'Superpower' refers to one ability (like flight), while 'superpowers' refers to all of them.

It is a legal document that gives one person the right to make decisions for another person, usually regarding money or health.

It refers to exponents. 'Two to the power of three' means 2 x 2 x 2.

It is a political system where the government is divided into different parts (like judges and leaders) so no one has too much control.

It can be. In law and politics, it is very formal. In stories about superheroes, it is neutral.

They are the strongest and most influential countries in the world, like the USA, China, and Russia.

Yes, 'power' can be a verb (e.g., 'The engine powers the car'), and 'powers' is the third-person singular form (e.g., 'He powers through the work').

It is the ability to notice small details that other people might miss.