Powerful
/ˈpaʊərfl/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving great power, strength, or influence.
/ˈpaʊərfl/
Having great power or strength
The king was a powerful ruler.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who can lift really heavy things or make important decisions that affect a lot of people. That's powerful! Like, a powerful engine in a car makes it go super fast, or a powerful argument can convince people to agree with you.
👶 For kids: If something is powerful, it means it is strong or can do a lot of things. Like a superhero!
More Examples
The engine of the car is very powerful.
She delivered a powerful speech that moved the audience.
How It's Used
"The president is a powerful leader."
"He has a powerful build."
"The company has a powerful influence on the market."
Having a strong or marked effect on someone or something.
/ˈpaʊərfl/
Having a strong effect
The movie had a powerful message.
💡 Simply: Think about something that makes a big difference or causes a strong feeling. A powerful smell is one that's really strong and noticeable, and a powerful song can give you goosebumps.
👶 For kids: When something is powerful, it means it can make you feel a lot of things or have a big impact. Like a loud noise!
More Examples
The medicine had a powerful effect.
The visual impact was incredibly powerful.
How It's Used
"The music had a powerful effect on the audience."
"The smell was quite powerful."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
powerful force
A strong influence or agent of change.
"The internet is a powerful force in modern society."
powerful presence
Someone who is strongly felt, respected, and has an imposing effect.
"The leader had a powerful presence that commanded respect."
From Middle English, derived from 'power' and the suffix '-ful'. 'Power' itself comes from Old French 'pueir' (to be able), from Latin 'posse' (to be able). The '-ful' suffix indicates 'full of' or 'characterized by'.
The word 'powerful' has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to someone with great ability or might. Its usage has consistently conveyed the concept of strong influence or capacity.
Memory tip
Think of a mighty superhero: they are powerful!
Word Origin
"to be able"