Words / C1

LEEV-uh-rij/ˈliːvərɪdʒ/

Leverage is influence you can use to get a result, or (finance) borrowed money amplifying gains and losses: political leverage, high leverage. Influence and power are everyday; lever is the physical bar. Leverage as a verb is popular in business English (leverage expertise) — often padded. Do not “leverage” a junior’s fear.

Meaning

The power to influence people or events; also the use of borrowed money.

Examples

• “Student numbers were the only real leverage in the fee talks.”
• “Influence is everyday. A lever lifts a weight. Financial leverage is gearing (British finance talk). As a verb, use is often cleaner than leverage. Power without a fact is not leverage.”

Good to know

Influence; also financial gearing. Everyday: influence. Physical: a lever. Verb: often padded business-speak. Fear is not a tool.

Near in meaning

influence

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