Leverage: meaning, definitions and examples

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leverage

 

[ˈlɛvərɪdj ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business term

Leverage refers to the use of borrowed capital to increase the potential return on investment. It allows individuals or companies to amplify their investments by using a small amount of their own funds alongside borrowed money.

Synonyms

advantage, influence, power.

Examples of usage

  • The company used leverage to finance its expansion.
  • Investors can measure their leverage ratio to assess risk.
  • Using leverage can significantly boost profits, but also increases losses.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To leverage means to use something to maximum advantage. It often refers to employing resources or relationships to achieve greater results.

Synonyms

exploit, harness, utilize.

Examples of usage

  • She leveraged her connections in the industry to secure a better deal.
  • The team leveraged their data analytics capabilities to enhance performance.
  • We need to leverage our technology to improve customer service.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • Originally derived from the Old French term 'levier', meaning 'to raise'.
  • The Latin word 'levare' means 'to lift', highlighting the concept of lifting something to achieve more.
  • In finance, the term emerged in the early 20th century to describe using borrowed funds to increase potential returns.

Business

  • Companies use financial leverage to amplify their profits, but it also increases risks if things go wrong.
  • The idea is similar to using a lever in mechanics: a small effort can lead to significant results.
  • Leverage ratios help assess how much debt a company uses compared to its equity, influencing investment decisions.

Psychology

  • In social situations, leverage can refer to using influence or connections to achieve a goal.
  • Individuals often leverage their skills and strengths in personal and professional settings to gain opportunities.
  • Understanding how to leverage relationships can lead to better collaboration and success.

Technology

  • In the tech industry, leveraging new tools or platforms can lead to more efficient processes and innovation.
  • Startups often leverage existing technologies to create new products faster and with lower costs.
  • The concept of leveraging data analytics has become crucial for businesses to make informed decisions.

Education

  • Teachers leverage technology in classrooms to enhance learning experiences and engagement.
  • Educational institutions may leverage partnerships with businesses to provide students with practical skills.
  • Scholarships can be seen as a way to leverage knowledge and talent to support students' futures.

Translations

Translations of the word "leverage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alavancagem

🇮🇳 लाभ उठाना

🇩🇪 Hebel

🇮🇩 pengaruh

🇺🇦 важіль

🇵🇱 dźwignia

🇯🇵 レバレッジ

🇫🇷 effet de levier

🇪🇸 apalancamiento

🇹🇷 kaldıraç

🇰🇷 레버리지

🇸🇦 رَافِعَة

🇨🇿 páka

🇸🇰 páka

🇨🇳 杠杆

🇸🇮 vzvod

🇮🇸 vökvun

🇰🇿 тежек

🇬🇪 ძალაუფლება

🇦🇿 leverage

🇲🇽 apalancamiento

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,906 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.