Word
empowered
Phoneticsem·pow·ered, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪmˈpaʊɝd/
UK/ɛmpˈaʊəd/
Definitions
01confident and in control
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling confident and able to make your own choices in life.
adj. possessing the psychological confidence and social autonomy to make decisions and take action.
“The workshop helped the students feel empowered to start their own businesses.”
“The mentorship programme aims to leave participants feeling empowered to negotiate for better working conditions and higher salaries.”
Usage
Often used as a predicative adjective after 'feel' or 'become'.
Synonyms
02having legal authority
C1 · Advanced Law Formal
adj. having the official or legal right to do something.
adj. invested with the formal or legal authority to perform a specific function.
“The committee is empowered to make decisions about the new budget.”
“Under the new legislation, the agency is empowered to conduct inspections without prior notice if a safety violation is suspected.”
Usage
Typically followed by a 'to' infinitive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03past tense of empower
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the past tense of 'empower', meaning to give someone power or authority.
v. the past tense and past participle form of the transitive verb 'empower'.
“The new law empowered local police to handle the situation directly.”
“The board of directors empowered the CEO to finalize the merger without further consultation.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“They have also been advised that they should feel empowered to close shops or lifeboat stations if they feel in danger.” “I felt really energised and empowered by that voice coming back into my life,” she says.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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