Powerful: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used to describe someone or something with a lot of power in various contexts such as physical strength, influence, or effectiveness.

• He gave a powerful speech
• The powerful engine helped the car win the race

A versatile term mostly describing physical strength, but can also be used to describe strong emotions, flavors, or opinions.

• He is a strong athlete
• The coffee was too strong for my taste

Often used in poetic or literary contexts to describe someone or something with great physical strength or force. Can also imply grandeur or impressiveness.

• The mighty warrior faced the dragon without fear
• The mighty river flows through the valleys

Typically used to describe something with a strong effect or power, especially in contexts like medicine, chemicals, or persuasive arguments.

• The medicine was very potent and worked quickly
• Her arguments were potent enough to change their minds

Used when describing someone who has the ability to affect or change the behavior, opinions, or actions of others.

• She is an influential leader in the tech industry
• His books have been very influential in modern philosophy

Use when describing something or someone with great strength, influence, or impact. Often used for machinery, people, emotions, or actions.

• He delivered a powerful speech that moved the audience.
• This car has a powerful engine.

Use when describing something that achieves goals with minimal waste of time, resources, or effort. Often used for processes, systems, and machinery.

• The new software is highly efficient and saves a lot of time.
• She is an efficient worker who always meets her deadlines.

Use when highlighting how well something produces the desired result. Often used for methods, strategies, and treatments.

• The new marketing strategy proved to be very effective.
• This medication is effective for treating headaches.

Use when referring to something with a large ability to contain or produce much output. Often used for machines, containers, and systems.

• This high-capacity water tank can hold up to 5000 liters.
• The high-capacity server can handle thousands of simultaneous users.

Used to describe someone or something with great physical strength, influence, or control over others or situations.

• The president is a powerful figure in the country.
• She has a powerful voice that captivates audiences.

Describes someone who has the ability to affect decisions, behaviors, or opinions of others, often through respect or admiration.

• He is an influential person in the world of technology.
• As a philanthropist, she is an influential person in many charitable organizations.

Usually refers to someone in a position of power or control, such as a parent, teacher, or boss, with formal or informal authority.

• The teacher is an important authority figure in a student's life.
• Children often look up to their parents as authority figures.

Refers to someone who directs or guides a group, organization, or country, often with qualities like charisma, decision-making skills, and the ability to inspire others.

• A good leader motivates their team to achieve goals.
• She was elected as the leader of the political party.