Power: meaning, definitions and examples

Power is used to describe the ability to do something or act in a particular way. It can also refer to physical strength or energy. In some cases, it denotes high status or official capacity.

• He has the power to change the company's direction.
• The storm knocked out the power in the whole city.
• She holds a lot of power in the organization.

Authority refers to the right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is often associated with formal roles or positions within organizations or institutions.

• The police have the authority to arrest criminals.
• He was given the authority to sign the contract.
• Teachers have authority in the classroom.

Control means the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. It often implies regulation or restraint.

• She has full control over the project's budget.
• The government has strict control over the media.
• He couldn't control his anger.

Influence is the ability to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. It often implies a more subtle or indirect power.

• Her positive attitude had a good influence on everyone around her.
• The celebrity's endorsement influenced many people to buy the product.
• He has a lot of influence in the fashion industry.

Use this word when referring to the capacity or ability of a machine, person, or system to do work or produce an effect. It often implies strength or influence.

• The power of the new engine is impressive.
• She has a lot of power in the company.

This word pertains to the phenomenon associated with the presence and motion of electric charge. It's used when discussing the state or supply of electrical power.

• The electricity went out during the storm.
• We need to find a way to generate more electricity.

Energy refers to the capacity to do work and is used in various contexts, including physics (e.g., kinetic energy, potential energy) and everyday life (e.g., human energy, fuel energy).

• Solar panels convert sunlight into energy.
• After the hike, I had no energy left.

This word is used when talking about the flow of electric charge in a circuit or the flow of water in a river. It denotes a continuous movement.

• The current in this river is very strong.
• Electrical current flows through the circuit.

Used to describe the ability to do something or make something happen, often in terms of electrical or mechanical energy.

• The power went out during the storm.
• To power the machine, you need to plug it in.

Typically used when describing the act of giving energy or enthusiasm to someone or something, often in a figurative sense.

• His speech managed to energize the whole team.
• The morning workout really energizes me for the day ahead.

Commonly used to describe the motivation or determination to achieve something, or to refer to controlling a vehicle.

• Her drive to succeed is unparalleled.
• He learned to drive at the age of 16.

Often used in the context of providing or making something available, usually in terms of resources or materials.

• We need to find a new supplier for our materials.
• The school supplies are running low and need to be restocked.