Empowering: meaning, definitions and examples

💪
Add to dictionary

empowering

 

[ ɪmˈpaʊərɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of empowerment

Empowering means to give someone the power or authority to do something; to make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.

Synonyms

encouraging, inspiring, strengthening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
empowering

This word is used when giving someone more control or confidence in their actions and decisions. It's often used in professional, educational, or advocacy contexts.

  • The new policy is empowering employees to take initiative on projects.
  • Social programs aim at empowering women in underrepresented communities.
strengthening

This word is appropriate when making someone or something stronger, either physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. It's often used in health, relationships, or organizational contexts.

  • The new training program is strengthening the skills of our team members.
  • The therapy sessions are strengthening their relationship.
encouraging

This word is suitable when providing support and motivation to someone, often to help them overcome challenges or to keep them going.

  • Teachers play a crucial role in encouraging students to achieve their best.
  • Your words were very encouraging during my difficult times.
inspiring

This word is used when someone or something causes others to feel motivated or uplifted, often leading to new ideas or actions.

  • Her journey from a small town to a successful entrepreneur is truly inspiring.
  • The movie’s message was inspiring and stayed with me long after it ended.

Examples of usage

  • She attended an empowering workshop that helped her gain confidence.
  • The mentor provided empowering advice to the young entrepreneur.
Context #2 | Verb

empowering women

Empowering as a verb means to give power or authority to someone, especially women, to help them achieve their goals, rights, and improve their status in society.

Synonyms

enabling, uplifting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
empowering

Best used when discussing giving someone power, confidence, or authority. Often used in contexts related to personal development, social movements, or educational settings.

  • The leadership workshop was empowering for all attendees.
  • She found the self-help book truly empowering.
enabling

Commonly used in contexts where someone is given the tools, resources, or opportunities to do something. Unlike 'empowering,' 'enabling' can sometimes have a negative connotation, such as facilitating harmful behavior.

  • The new software is enabling employees to work more efficiently.
  • Her constant support was enabling his poor work habits.
uplifting

Used to describe something that raises someone's spirits, making them feel hopeful or happier. Often used in the context of emotional or moral support or describing positive experiences.

  • The motivational speech was truly uplifting.
  • Watching that comedy movie was an uplifting experience.

Examples of usage

  • The organization focuses on empowering women through education and training.
  • She dedicated her life to empowering marginalized communities.

Translations

Translations of the word "empowering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empoderamento

🇮🇳 सशक्तिकरण

🇩🇪 Ermächtigung

🇮🇩 pemberdayaan

🇺🇦 надання повноважень

🇵🇱 upoważnianie

🇯🇵 エンパワーメント

🇫🇷 émancipation

🇪🇸 empoderamiento

🇹🇷 güçlendirme

🇰🇷 권한 부여

🇸🇦 تمكين

🇨🇿 zmocnění

🇸🇰 zmocnenie

🇨🇳 赋权

🇸🇮 opolnomočenje

🇮🇸 valdefling

🇰🇿 құзырет беру

🇬🇪 ძალაუფლების მინიჭება

🇦🇿 səlahiyyət vermə

🇲🇽 empoderamiento

Etymology

The word empowering originated from the verb 'empower' in the mid-17th century, which comes from the combination of 'en-' (to make) and 'power'. The concept of empowerment gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly in the context of social movements advocating for the rights and autonomy of marginalized groups, such as women and minorities. Today, empowering is used widely in discussions about personal growth, equality, and empowerment initiatives.

See also: disempower, empowered, empowerment.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,731, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.