omnipotent
C2Formal/Literary/Religious
Definition
Meaning
Having unlimited or very great power; all-powerful.
Often used to describe a deity (especially in monotheistic religions) or a figure/entity with supreme authority and control over everything. Can be applied metaphorically to institutions, technologies, or feelings perceived as overwhelmingly dominant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries a theological and absolute connotation. In non-religious contexts, it is often hyperbolic, suggesting near-limitless power within a specific domain (e.g., 'an omnipotent corporation'). It does not imply omniscience (all-knowing) or omnipresence (present everywhere), though these concepts are often linked.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage patterns are identical.
Connotations
Identical; strongly associated with theological discourse and literary exaggeration.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to formal, academic, religious, or rhetorical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/become/seem] omnipotentregard/view/consider [NP] as omnipotentthe omnipotent [NP] of [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Sometimes used in the hyperbolic phrase 'playing God' which implies acting as if omnipotent.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used hyperbolically in critiques: 'The regulator should not act as an omnipotent judge of market fairness.'
Academic
Common in theology, philosophy, political science, and literary criticism: 'The poet attributes omnipotent qualities to the natural world.'
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's hyperbolic: 'After fixing the wifi, I felt omnipotent!'
Technical
Primarily in theological or philosophical discourse to describe a key attribute of a deity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No direct verb form. Periphrastic: 'to wield omnipotent power'.
American English
- No direct verb form. Periphrastic: 'to act with omnipotent authority'.
adverb
British English
- The derived adverb 'omnipotently' is extremely rare and stylistically marked. Example: 'He ruled omnipotently for decades.'
American English
- The derived adverb 'omnipotently' is rarely used. Example: 'The software update installed, seemingly omnipotently, across all systems.'
adjective
British English
- The archbishop spoke of an omnipotent and merciful God.
- No CEO, however successful, is truly omnipotent.
American English
- The Founding Fathers did not envision an omnipotent federal government.
- In the comic, the villain seeks to become omnipotent.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable at this level. Concept too abstract.)
- Many stories have an omnipotent villain.
- People once believed kings were omnipotent.
- In monotheistic religions, God is traditionally described as omnipotent and benevolent.
- The central bank was criticised for acting like an omnipotent force in the economy.
- The philosopher questioned the logical coherence of an omnipotent being creating stones it cannot lift.
- The novel explores the psychological burden on a leader perceived as omnipotent by his followers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: OMNI (meaning 'all' as in omnivore, omniscient) + POTENT (meaning 'powerful'). 'All-powerful'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A POSSESSION (held in unlimited quantity). AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT (the omnipotent is at the very top).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'всемогущий' (vsemogushchiy), which is a direct equivalent. The trap is stylistic: 'omnipotent' is far more formal/literary than the common Russian equivalent, which can be used more casually (e.g., 'Я не всемогущий!'). Using 'omnipotent' in casual English sounds odd.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'omniscient' (all-knowing) or 'omnipresent' (present everywhere). *'The omnipotent being knew everything' mixes attributes. Use 'omniscient'.
- Using it in casual contexts where 'powerful' or 'invincible' would be more natural.
- Misspelling: *'omnipotent' (missing 'i').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST accurate synonym for 'omnipotent' in a theological context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but that is its primary and most literal use. It is frequently used metaphorically or hyperbolically for people, institutions, or forces perceived as having supremely dominant power (e.g., 'an omnipotent corporation', 'an omnipotent feeling of love').
'Omnipotent' means all-powerful. 'Omniscient' means all-knowing. 'Omnipresent' means present everywhere at once. They are three distinct attributes often used together in descriptions of a deity.
Yes, but it's rare and highly formal. 'The Omnipotent' can be used as a nominal reference to God (similar to 'the Almighty'). In general usage, the adjective is standard.
Grammatically, yes, as it's a gradable adjective. However, logically it is often considered an absolute term (either you have all power or you don't). In practice, comparative/superlative forms are used for hyperbolic or metaphorical effect (e.g., 'After the merger, they became even more omnipotent in the sector').