omnipotence
C2Formal, Literary, Theological
Definition
Meaning
the quality or state of having unlimited or very great power.
Absolute and unlimited power; often used in theological contexts to refer to the power of a deity, or metaphorically to describe a seemingly unlimited power or influence held by a person, institution, or force.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract noun. While the core meaning implies unlimited power, its usage often carries nuances of absoluteness, final authority, or an ability to act without constraint. In non-theological contexts, it can be used hyperbolically or critically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. Potential minor variation in frequency of use in theological vs. secular critical discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with divine power. In secular use, can carry a negative connotation of overreach or tyranny.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both varieties, slightly more prevalent in UK English in historical/theological writing due to established church discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the omnipotence of [entity][entity]'s omnipotencebelief in omnipotenceto attribute omnipotence to [entity]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an illusion of omnipotence”
- “the arrogance of omnipotence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used critically, e.g., 'The regulator's move challenged the perceived omnipotence of the tech giants.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, and political theory. e.g., 'The essay critiques the concept of sovereign omnipotence in Hobbesian thought.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used hyperbolically or in fixed phrases: 'No parent has the omnipotence to solve every problem.'
Technical
In theology: a key attribute of God. In psychology: 'infantile omnipotence' (a psychoanalytic concept).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No direct verb form. Use 'be omnipotent' or 'exercise omnipotence'. British example: The monarch was once believed to omnipotently rule by divine right.
American English
- No direct verb form. Use 'be omnipotent' or 'exercise omnipotence'. American example: The corporation sought to omnipotently dictate market trends.
adverb
British English
- The king ruled omnipotently, his word becoming law.
- It is a concept used almost omnipotently in their theological arguments.
American English
- The software seemed to function omnipotently, managing every aspect of the system.
- She believed her team could win, not confidently, but omnipotently.
adjective
British English
- The omnipotent deity was worshipped by the ancient civilisation.
- She felt an almost omnipotent confidence after her success.
American English
- The film portrays an omnipotent artificial intelligence.
- He spoke with an omnipotent tone that annoyed the committee.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- God has omnipotence. (simple statement)
- The king wanted omnipotence.
- Many religions teach that God has omnipotence.
- The dictator dreamed of total omnipotence over the country.
- The philosopher questioned the logical coherence of divine omnipotence.
- The company's market omnipotence was finally challenged by new regulations.
- The novel explores the corrupting influence of a feeling of omnipotence on its protagonist.
- Debates about the limits of omnipotence are central to theodicy, the attempt to reconcile God's power with the existence of evil.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
OMNI (all) + POTENCE (power) = ALL-POWER. Think of an omnipotent being like a deity who can do anything.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A POSSESSION (held in unlimited quantity). AUTHORITY IS A CONTAINER (of omnipotence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'всемогущество' in casual contexts, as it sounds even more lofty and archaic in Russian. In secular critiques, consider 'безграничная власть' (limitless power). The adjective 'omnipotent' is more common than the noun.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation: /om-ni-PO-tense/. Correct: stress on second syllable 'nip'. Confusing with 'omniscience' (all-knowing). Using in informal contexts where 'total control' or 'complete power' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'omnipotence' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most precise and common use is in theological contexts for a deity, it is also used metaphorically or hyperbolically for people, institutions, or concepts possessing seemingly unlimited power (e.g., 'the omnipotence of the state', 'technological omnipotence').
Omnipotence refers to unlimited power (being all-powerful). Omniscience refers to unlimited knowledge (being all-knowing). A being can be conceptualised as having one, both, or neither of these attributes.
No. The noun is 'omnipotence'. The adjective form is 'omnipotent'. A common mistake is saying 'an omnipotence being' instead of 'an omnipotent being'.
It is neutral in definition but context-dependent. In theology, it is usually a positive, awe-inspiring attribute. In secular critiques of power (political, corporate, personal), it often carries a negative connotation of dangerous overreach or arrogance.