powers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
CommonNeutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “powers” mean?
The plural form of 'power', referring to multiple abilities, authorities, or forces to act or control.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'power', referring to multiple abilities, authorities, or forces to act or control.
Can denote supernatural capabilities, legal or executive authorities, mathematical exponents, or physical forces in contexts like physics or engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; spelling and usage are nearly identical, with slight pronunciation variations due to rhoticity in American English.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both variants, associated with control, ability, or authority.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “powers” in a Sentence
have the powers toexercise powers overgrant powers topowers of + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “powers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new turbine powers the entire factory efficiently.
- She powers through her work with determination.
American English
- Solar energy powers many households in Arizona.
- The engine powers the vehicle up steep hills.
adjective
British English
- The powers committee oversees regulatory changes.
- In the powers structure, roles are clearly defined.
American English
- He holds a powers position in the administration.
- The powers dynamics in the group shifted recently.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board exercises its powers to approve major investments.
Academic
In political theory, the distribution of powers is crucial for checks and balances.
Everyday
Many children imagine having superpowers like flying or invisibility.
Technical
In mathematics, powers represent exponents, such as in 2 to the power of 3.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “powers”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “powers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “powers”
- Using 'power' as uncountable when countable is needed, e.g., 'He has many power' instead of 'powers'
- Incorrectly using 'powers' as a singular noun, e.g., 'This powers is strong' instead of 'This power is strong'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'power' can be singular and uncountable for abstract ability, while 'powers' is often plural for specific authorities or multiple abilities.
Yes, 'powers' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to power', meaning to supply with energy or to drive something.
'Power' may refer to general authority, while 'powers' often denotes specific, delegated authorities or rights, such as in 'powers of attorney'.
Yes, examples include 'separation of powers', 'executive powers', and 'powers of observation', frequently used in political science or psychology.
The plural form of 'power', referring to multiple abilities, authorities, or forces to act or control.
Powers is usually neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts) in register.
Powers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the powers that be”
- “separation of powers”
- “balance of powers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'powers' as 'our abilities' – it sounds like 'ours' with a 'p', reminding you of personal or collective capabilities.
Conceptual Metaphor
Power is often conceptualized as a fluid or energy, e.g., 'the powers of nature' or 'channeling one's powers'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'powers' specifically used to refer to exponents?