superpower
B2Formal to neutral in political contexts; informal, conversational, and pop-culture oriented in fictional/figurative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
An extremely powerful nation with dominant global influence, particularly in military, economic, and political spheres; also, an exceptional or extraordinary ability.
Originally a political term describing a nation with preeminent global power and influence. Since the mid-20th century, it has been extended to fiction (especially comics, film, TV) to mean an extraordinary, often supernatural, ability possessed by an individual. In a metaphorical sense, it can describe any exceptional skill or advantage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The political sense typically describes a nation-state. The fictional/figurative sense is applied to individuals, groups, or abstract concepts (e.g., 'Kindness is her superpower'). The metaphorical use is increasingly common in business and self-help contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Usage is identical. The fictional sense is arguably more entrenched in American media exports (comics, films), but the term is fully naturalised in British English.
Connotations
In political discourse, carries connotations of the Cold War and post-WWII geopolitics. In everyday/fictional use, connotations are overwhelmingly positive (extraordinary ability).
Frequency
High frequency in political science and international relations. Very high frequency in popular culture, media, and informal speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Nation] is/acts as/aspires to be a superpower.[Person/Entity] has the superpower of [ability].My superpower is [gerund/noun phrase].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A superpower in the making”
- “To throw one's superpower weight around”
- “A clash of superpowers”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The company aims to become a superpower in the renewable energy sector." (Used metaphorically for market dominance.)
Academic
"The bipolar system of the Cold War was defined by the rivalry between two nuclear superpowers." (Political Science/IR.)
Everyday
"I wish my superpower was being able to find my keys instantly." / "The USA is often described as the world's sole superpower."
Technical
In physics/engineering, used metaphorically (rare): "This new battery technology is a superpower for electric vehicles."
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The debate centred on whether the nation could maintain its superpower role post-Brexit.
- Her uncanny memory is her secret superpower in the boardroom.
American English
- The film explores what happens when a teenager discovers his superpower.
- Maintaining its position as a global superpower requires constant innovation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Superman has the superpower of flight.
- Some people think the USA is a superpower.
- In the 20th century, the USA and the USSR were rival superpowers.
- My mum's superpower is always knowing what I'm thinking.
- The rise of China as an economic superpower has changed global trade dynamics.
- The character's main superpower is telekinesis, but she also has enhanced strength.
- Analysts question whether the era of the unipolar superpower is coming to an end, giving way to a multipolar world order.
- In the modern workplace, emotional intelligence is often touted as a critical, non-technical superpower for leaders.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPER (above/beyond) + POWER (strength/authority) = a power above all others, either a nation or an ability.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/STRENGTH IS UP (super = above). A NATION IS A PERSON (with power, rivalries). AN ABILITY IS A TOOL/WEAPON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "сверхдержава" (political sense) when the English context is about individual abilities. The fictional sense is "суперспособность". Using "superpower" for a personal skill might sound like a calque in Russian but is standard in modern English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'superpower' to describe a very strong but not globally dominant country (e.g., 'Switzerland is a financial superpower' is debatable/metaphorical). Confusing the countable noun (a superpower) with an uncountable concept. Incorrect: 'He has superpower.' Correct: 'He has a superpower.' or 'He has superpowers.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'superpower' MOST likely to be metaphorical?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. This is a very common modern usage. For example: 'Patience is my superpower as a teacher' or 'The startup's superpower is its agile development team.' It means a defining, exceptional strength.
It is a stronger, more specific synonym. After the Cold War, some political scientists used 'hyperpower' to describe the USA's unprecedented dominance in all spheres (military, economic, cultural, technological), suggesting a level above traditional superpowers which had rivals.
'Great power' is a traditional historical term (e.g., 19th-century European great powers). A 'superpower' implies a higher level of global influence, reach, and resources, often associated with the nuclear age and ideological blocs. All superpowers are great powers, but not all great powers are superpowers.
The plural is 'superpowers'. It can refer to multiple dominant nations ("the two superpowers") or multiple extraordinary abilities ("The hero has several superpowers, including invisibility and super-speed").