Power meanings in French

pouvoir

Example:

He has the power to change the rules.

Il a le pouvoir de changer les règles.

The government holds significant power.

Le gouvernement détient un pouvoir significatif.

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in discussions about authority, governance, and ability.

Note: The term 'pouvoir' can refer to both authority (like government power) and personal ability.

énergie

Example:

The power of the engine is impressive.

La puissance du moteur est impressionnante.

Solar power is becoming more popular.

L'énergie solaire devient de plus en plus populaire.

Usage: formal/informalContext: Commonly used in scientific and technical discussions regarding energy sources.

Note: 'Énergie' refers to power in the context of physics and energy generation.

force

Example:

He used all his power to lift the heavy box.

Il a utilisé toute sa force pour soulever la boîte lourde.

The power of the wave knocked him down.

La force de la vague l'a renversé.

Usage: informalContext: Often used in physical contexts to describe strength or influence.

Note: 'Force' can imply physical strength or the intensity of an event.

autorité

Example:

She has the power to make decisions.

Elle a l'autorité de prendre des décisions.

The manager's power is evident in the office.

L'autorité du responsable est évidente dans le bureau.

Usage: formalContext: Used in corporate or organizational contexts regarding control and leadership.

Note: 'Autorité' emphasizes the right to command or make decisions.

capacité

Example:

He has the power to influence others.

Il a la capacité d'influencer les autres.

Her power to learn quickly is impressive.

Sa capacité à apprendre rapidement est impressionnante.

Usage: informalContext: Used in personal development or abilities discussions.

Note: 'Capacité' refers to an individual's potential or ability to do something.

authority

Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Example: The government has the authority to make decisions.

Note: Authority often implies a more formal or official power, such as that held by a government or leader.

control

Control refers to the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

Example: She has control over the company's finances.

Note: Control often suggests a more direct influence or manipulation over a situation or individual.

dominance

Dominance refers to the state of being more powerful or influential than others.

Example: The team showed dominance throughout the game.

Note: Dominance emphasizes superiority or preeminence over others in a particular context.

strength

Strength refers to the power to resist force or attack; the ability to endure, survive, or overcome adversity.

Example: His physical strength helped him lift the heavy object.

Note: Strength often implies physical power or resilience rather than influence or control over others.

might

Might refers to great power or strength, especially physical strength.

Example: The might of the army was unmatched.

Note: Might often conveys a sense of force or physical prowess, sometimes associated with military or physical strength.

Hold all the cards

To hold all the cards means to have the most power or advantage in a situation.

Example: In negotiations, she holds all the cards with her extensive knowledge of the industry.

Note: This phrase emphasizes having control and advantage rather than just raw power.

Power play

A power play refers to a strategic move made to gain power or control in a situation.

Example: The CEO made a power play by restructuring the entire company without consulting the board.

Note: It highlights a specific action taken to acquire or assert power.

In the driver's seat

To be in the driver's seat means to be in control or have the power to influence decisions.

Example: After the successful merger, our company is now in the driver's seat in the industry.

Note: It conveys the idea of being in control or leading, similar to having power.

Power trip

A power trip refers to a situation where someone abuses their power or authority.

Example: His constant need to micromanage every detail shows that he's on a power trip.

Note: It focuses on the negative aspect of using power to control or manipulate others.

Call the shots

To call the shots means to be in a position to make decisions or have control over a situation.

Example: As the team captain, she gets to call the shots during important plays.

Note: It emphasizes the authority to make decisions rather than just possessing power.

Power struggle

A power struggle refers to a conflict or competition for power or control between individuals or groups.

Example: The power struggle between the two department heads is affecting the productivity of the entire team.

Note: It highlights the competitive nature of vying for power rather than just having power.

Balance of power

The balance of power refers to a situation where no single entity has excessive power, maintaining stability.

Example: The treaty aimed to maintain a balance of power among the nations to prevent conflicts.

Note: It focuses on the distribution and equilibrium of power rather than the possession of power.

Power move

A bold and strategic action taken to assert one's influence or authority in a situation.

Example: She made a power move by accepting the new position at work.

Note: This term emphasizes the bold and decisive nature of the action.

Power couple

A couple, usually romantically involved, known for both partners being influential, successful, or authoritative in their respective fields.

Example: They are known as a power couple in the fashion industry.

Note: This term highlights the collective influence and impact of the couple.

Powerhouse

An entity or individual known for being incredibly strong, influential, or successful in a particular area.

Example: The company has become a powerhouse in the technology sector.

Note: This term suggests immense strength and dominance in a given field.

Power up

To energize, boost energy or motivation.

Example: Before the presentation, he needs to power up with some coffee.

Note: This term conveys the idea of increasing energy or strength, rather than solely focusing on authority.

Empower

To give someone the authority, autonomy, or confidence to take action and make decisions for themselves.

Example: The workshop aims to empower individuals to speak up for their rights.

Note: While closely related to 'power', empowerment focuses on enabling others rather than exerting control over them.

The president has a lot of power.

Le président a beaucoup de pouvoir.

The power went out during the storm.

Le courant est coupé pendant la tempête.

She used her power to help those in need.

Elle a utilisé son pouvoir pour aider ceux qui en ont besoin.

Power - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: power

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): powers, power

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): power

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): powered

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): powering

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): powers

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): power

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): power

Syllables, Separation and Stress

power Contains 2 syllables: pow • er

Phonetic transcription: ˈpau̇(-ə)r

pow er , ˈpau̇( ə)r (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

power: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Power