wielding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “wielding” mean?
Holding and using a tool or weapon skillfully.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Holding and using a tool or weapon skillfully; exerting power, authority, or influence.
To have and be able to use something powerful or effective, such as influence, control, or a particular skill.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling: the past tense/past participle 'wielded' is universal.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British journalistic/political contexts ('wielding power', 'wielding influence'), but broadly equivalent.
Frequency
Similar moderate frequency in both varieties, with a formal/literary bias.
Grammar
How to Use “wielding” in a Sentence
[Subject] wields [Direct Object: weapon/tool/influence/power]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “wielding” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new prime minister will soon wield unprecedented executive powers.
- The blacksmith was wielding his hammer with expert precision.
American English
- The senator wields considerable influence over the committee's decisions.
- He was seen wielding a chainsaw to clear the fallen tree.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO is adept at wielding her influence to secure board approval.
Academic
The study examines how media barons wield significant political power.
Everyday
He was wielding a paintbrush with surprising skill.
Technical
The robot is capable of wielding specialised tools in hazardous environments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “wielding”
- Incorrect: 'He wields the ability to speak well.' (Use 'has' or 'possesses'). Correct: 'He wields his rhetorical ability effectively.'
- Incorrect: 'She was wielding a heavy bag.' (Use 'carrying' unless using it as a tool/weapon).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its most literal sense applies to weapons or tools, it is commonly and effectively used for abstract concepts like power, influence, and authority.
'Wielding' implies skillful, active, and often forceful application, especially of something powerful. 'Using' is a more general, neutral term.
It can, depending on context. Phrases like 'wielding power ruthlessly' or 'wielding misinformation' carry a negative charge. It can also be neutral or positive, as in 'wielding a scalpel expertly'.
It is the present participle of the verb 'to wield', functioning as the main verb in the present continuous tense.
Holding and using a tool or weapon skillfully.
Wielding is usually formal, literary, journalistic in register.
Wielding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwiːldɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwiːldɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To wield a big stick”
- “To wield the sceptre (of power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'warrior WIELDING a weapon' — it connects the sound of the word to its core action of active, skillful use.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLUENCE IS A TOOL/WEAPON ('He wields considerable clout'). POWER IS A PHYSICAL INSTRUMENT ('She wields absolute authority').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'wielding' used most appropriately?