Environment / A2

POW-uh/ˈpaʊə/

Power is control over people or things: political power, in power, the power to decide. It is also energy that makes machines work: cut the power, a power cut, electric power — uncountable in both uses (some power, not “two powers” unless you mean countries). Strength is more about the body; powerful is the adjective. Do not say “the electricity power” — say the power or the electricity.

Meaning

The ability to control people or things, or energy that makes machines work.

Examples

• “The storm cut the power for three hours.”
• “Who has the power to change this rule?”
• “We had no power for most of the evening.”

Good to know

in power / the power to + verb. Electricity: cut the power / a power cut. Adjective: powerful.

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