# power

/ˈpaʊɝ/ (US) · /pˈaʊɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/power
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. control or influence

noun · CEFR A2

the ability to control people or things, or to influence how they behave.

For teachers: the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.

- The new president has the power to change the country's laws.
- The executive branch holds the power to veto legislation, though this authority is balanced by the oversight of the judicial system.

### 2. electricity

noun · CEFR A2

energy that is used to provide light or heat, or to make machines work.

For teachers: electrical energy supplied to a building, device, or area.

- The storm was so bad that the power went out for three hours.
- The data centre requires a constant supply of power to ensure that the servers remain operational during peak traffic periods.

### 3. physical strength

noun · CEFR B1

physical strength or force.

For teachers: physical might or the capacity to exert great force.

- The boxer used all his power to win the final round.
- The engine's power was evident as the heavy truck climbed the steep mountain pass without slowing down.

### 4. math exponent

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the number of times you multiply a number by itself.

For teachers: the product of multiplying a number by itself a specified number of times.

- Two to the power of three is eight.
- In this equation, the variable is raised to the fourth power, which significantly increases the value as x grows.

### 5. to supply energy

verb · CEFR B1

to provide the energy or electricity that a machine needs to work.

For teachers: to supply a device or machine with mechanical or electrical energy.

- This small battery can power the entire radio for a week.
- The remote village is now powered entirely by solar panels installed on the roofs of the local school and clinic.

### 6. impressive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Informal · Dialect

something that is very impressive or excellent.

For teachers: used to describe something as highly impressive, effective, or excellent.

- That goal he scored was power.
- The performance last night was truly power, leaving the entire audience in absolute silence before the standing ovation.

Usage: Common in Singaporean and Malaysian English (Manglish/Singlish).

## Examples

- The president has the power to change the law.
- The severe winter storm knocked out the power in our neighbourhood, leaving us in the dark.
- The prime minister consolidated her power by appointing loyalists to key cabinet positions, effectively silencing any opposition within the ruling party before the upcoming election.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.