ENGLISH
REFERENCE

powerful

adj.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈpaʊɝfəɫ// UK //pˈaʊəfəl// pow·er·ful Archaic Dialect General-service

adj. having a lot of strength, influence, or control over others. You use this to describe things that can do a lot of work or people who make big decisions.

adj. possessing great physical strength, political influence, or mechanical force. Often used to describe the capacity of an entity to affect change or exert control over its environment.


SIMPLE

The new engine is very powerful.

CONTEXTUAL

She gave a powerful speech that convinced the entire board to change their minds about the budget.

COMPLEX

The prime minister's powerful influence over the legislative process ensured that the controversial bill passed despite significant public opposition and internal party dissent.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English pouerful, powarfull. By surface analysis, power + -ful.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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