Words / C1

im-POW-uh/ɪmˈpaʊə/

To empower is to give someone the power, confidence, or right to do something: empower learners to speak, legally empowered to act. Enable is a close cousin (make it possible); authorise is official permission; allow is everyday and weaker. Empowerment is the noun — common in policy, sometimes mocked as jargon. In speech, give them the confidence / the right is enough. Empower should name a real shift in power or skill. Do not use it as a poster verb for a two-hour workshop that changes nothing.

Meaning

To give someone the power, confidence, or right to do something.

Examples

• “The course empowers learners to speak more.”
• “The course empowers learners to speak by giving them phrases they can actually use.”
• “Governors are empowered by the articles to suspend a policy; a slogan is not a power.”

Good to know

Give power, confidence, or a right. Everyday: enable / give the right. Close: authorise (official). Noun: empowerment (policy tone; can sound like jargon).

Near in meaning

enable

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