powers
Powers are the special abilities or legal rights that someone or something has to get things done.
Explanation at your level:
Powers are things you can do. For example, a superhero has special powers like flying. You have the power to learn new words! It is a simple word for strength or ability.
You can use powers to talk about what people can do. Maybe your friend has the power to run very fast. In school, the teacher has the power to give homework. It is a very useful word for talking about strength.
At this level, you will see powers used in news or formal writing. We talk about 'legal powers' when someone is allowed to do something official. It is also used to describe mental capacity, like 'powers of concentration.' It is a strong, versatile noun.
When you reach B2, you notice the nuance between physical ability and institutional powers. You might read about 'the separation of powers' in government. It is common to use this word when discussing influence, authority, and the capacity to change a situation.
In advanced English, powers often appears in abstract contexts. You might describe someone's 'powers of deduction' or 'powers of persuasion.' It is frequently used in academic writing to discuss political theory or philosophical concepts regarding control and agency. The word implies a deep, inherent capability that shapes outcomes.
At the mastery level, powers is used to explore the intersection of authority and ethics. You might analyze the 'powers of the state' or the 'powers of the human mind' in literary criticism. The word carries historical weight, often linked to the evolution of sovereignty and the philosophical nature of potentiality. It is a word that demands precision in formal discourse.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to abilities or legal authority.
- Often used in the plural form.
- Can be physical or abstract.
- Commonly used in political and legal contexts.
When we talk about powers, we are usually discussing the ability to make things happen. Think of it as a spectrum: it can range from a person's physical strength to a government's legal authority.
In everyday life, you might hear about someone's 'powers of observation,' which means they are really good at noticing small details. On the other hand, in a fantasy movie, powers usually refer to magical abilities like flying or invisibility. Understanding this word is all about context; it is about who has the control and what they are capable of achieving.
The word powers comes from the Old French word 'poeir,' which means 'to be able.' It traces back even further to the Latin word 'potere,' meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power.'
Throughout history, the word has evolved from simply describing physical strength to encompassing complex legal and political structures. In the Middle Ages, powers were often associated with divine right or feudal control. Today, it remains a versatile term that connects our ancient need to describe strength with our modern need to define legal boundaries.
You will often see powers used in professional or political settings. Common collocations include 'emergency powers,' 'executive powers,' and 'powers of attorney.' These phrases carry a formal weight, indicating that someone has been given specific, legal permission to act.
In casual conversation, we might say someone has 'healing powers' or 'powers of persuasion.' While the register is different, the core meaning—the ability to influence an outcome—stays the same. Always consider whether you are talking about a superpower or a legal right when choosing your adjectives!
Idioms help us describe powers in colorful ways. For example, 'the powers that be' refers to the people who hold authority in an organization. 'Knowledge is power' is a classic saying suggesting that education gives you control over your life.
Another common one is 'to be in one's power,' which means to be under someone's control. We also use 'a power move' to describe a calculated action taken to assert dominance. Finally, 'power to the people' is a famous political slogan advocating for equality and collective strength.
The word powers is the plural form of 'power.' It is a count noun when referring to specific abilities or legal authorities. In terms of pronunciation, the British IPA is /ˈpaʊəz/ while the American IPA is /ˈpaʊərz/.
The stress is firmly on the first syllable. It rhymes with words like 'flowers,' 'towers,' and 'showers.' When using it in a sentence, remember that it often takes a plural verb, such as 'The president's powers are limited by the constitution.'
Fun Fact
The word has been in English since the 13th century.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'pow' plus 'ers'.
Includes a clear 'r' sound at the end.
Common Errors
- missing the 'r' in US English
- misplacing the stress
- swallowing the 's' sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to speak
Easy to listen
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
Powers are...
Countable Nouns
One power, two powers
Infinitive Pattern
Power to do
Examples by Level
The hero has magic powers.
magic = special
plural noun
She has the power to run.
power = ability
singular form
He uses his powers well.
uses = employs
possessive pronoun
I have the power to choose.
choose = pick
infinitive pattern
They have special powers.
special = unique
plural noun
The cat has powers.
funny cat
simple sentence
Powers are very cool.
cool = great
plural verb
Do you have powers?
question form
interrogative
The leader used her powers to help people.
He has great powers of memory.
The police have the power to stop cars.
Do you believe in secret powers?
The law limits his powers.
She showed her powers in the game.
The machine has the power to cut wood.
We all have the power to change.
The committee has the power to decide.
He used his powers of persuasion to win.
The president's powers are clearly defined.
She has amazing powers of observation.
The government extended its emergency powers.
He felt he had no power over the situation.
The powers of the mind are infinite.
They debated the separation of powers.
The executive powers are vested in the council.
She demonstrated her powers of analysis during the meeting.
The powers that be decided to cancel the project.
He was stripped of his legal powers.
The powers of nature are unpredictable.
She wields her powers with great caution.
The agreement outlines the powers of each party.
His powers of concentration are legendary.
The constitutional powers are subject to judicial review.
The subtle powers of influence are often underestimated.
She exercised her powers of discretion wisely.
The inherent powers of the office were vast.
He explored the powers of human resilience.
The treaty limits the powers of the local authorities.
The powers of rhetoric can sway public opinion.
The agency exceeded its delegated powers.
The metaphysical powers of the soul were discussed at length.
The devolution of powers led to regional autonomy.
The sovereign powers of the state remain absolute.
The orator utilized his powers of oratory to captivate.
The interplay of competing powers defined the era.
The latent powers of the mind are yet to be fully understood.
The exercise of arbitrary powers was condemned.
The powers of the imagination transcend reality.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"the powers that be"
people in charge
I need to ask the powers that be.
casual"knowledge is power"
learning leads to success
Read more, because knowledge is power.
neutral"power to the people"
social equality
The protest shouted power to the people.
informal"a power move"
a strategic action
That was a real power move.
casual"in one's power"
under someone's control
It is in my power to help you.
neutral"power play"
action to gain dominance
The merger was a power play.
neutralEasily Confused
both imply ability
strength is physical, power is capacity
He has strength; he has the power to decide.
both imply control
force is physical pressure
He used force to open the door.
legal context
authority is the right, power is the capacity
She has the authority to act.
both relate to power
energy is physical fuel
He lacks the energy to run.
Sentence Patterns
The [subject] has the power to [verb].
The judge has the power to decide.
He used his powers of [noun].
He used his powers of persuasion.
The [noun] has limited powers.
The committee has limited powers.
The powers are vested in [noun].
The powers are vested in the council.
He exercised his powers wisely.
He exercised his powers wisely.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
When referring to multiple specific abilities, use the plural.
Force is physical; power is capacity.
Use 'the' when referring to specific authority.
Powers is plural, so use 'are'.
Use 'strength' for muscles, 'power' for capacity.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize a king with a crown.
Native Speakers
Use it for legal rights.
Cultural Insight
Often used in superhero movies.
Grammar Shortcut
Powers = plural verb.
Say It Right
Clear 'r' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for muscle strength.
Did You Know?
Latin root is 'potere'.
Study Smart
Read news articles.
Formal Context
Use in essays.
Pluralization
Always check for 's'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
POW-ers: Imagine a comic book POW! sound effect.
Visual Association
A crown representing authority.
Word Web
Challenge
List three powers you wish you had.
Word Origin
Old French / Latin
Original meaning: to be able
Cultural Context
None
Commonly used in political contexts regarding the 'separation of powers'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Politics
- executive powers
- separation of powers
- emergency powers
Fantasy
- magic powers
- super powers
- hidden powers
Legal
- legal powers
- power of attorney
- vested powers
Personal Growth
- powers of the mind
- powers of observation
- inner power
Conversation Starters
"If you could have any powers, what would they be?"
"Do you think knowledge is power?"
"Who are the powers that be in your office?"
"How do you use your powers of persuasion?"
"Why is the separation of powers important?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you felt you had the power to change something.
What are your greatest powers of observation?
Write about a leader who used their powers well.
Reflect on the phrase 'knowledge is power'.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsUsually, but 'power' is the singular form.
No, use 'strength' instead.
No, but 'power' can be a verb.
A special ability beyond normal human limits.
Like 'pow' + 'ers'.
Yes, for legal authority.
It can be both formal and casual.
The people in charge.
Test Yourself
The superhero has special ___.
Plural noun needed.
Which means authority?
Powers implies authority.
Powers is always a singular noun.
It is usually plural.
Word
Meaning
Idiom matching.
Correct structure.
He used his ___ of persuasion.
Collocation.
Powers can refer to abstract capacities.
Yes, like powers of deduction.
What is a synonym for powers?
Capacities is a synonym.
Formal structure.
Word
Meaning
Word family matching.
Score: /10
Summary
Powers represent the capacity to act, whether through personal talent or official authority.
- Refers to abilities or legal authority.
- Often used in the plural form.
- Can be physical or abstract.
- Commonly used in political and legal contexts.
Memory Palace
Visualize a king with a crown.
Native Speakers
Use it for legal rights.
Cultural Insight
Often used in superhero movies.
Grammar Shortcut
Powers = plural verb.
