Words / C2

PYOO-isnt/ˈpjuːɪsnt/

Puissant means having great power or influence (literary / archaic): a puissant patron, puissant in the city. Strong (already in the dictionary) is everyday bodily power; powerful (already in the dictionary) is having great strength or influence, and potent (already in the dictionary) is strong in effect — the close twins of force. This batch: redoubtable is formidable as an opponent; pusillanimous is contemptibly timid — the opposite flavour. A donor film is not a named warden.

Meaning

Having great power or influence (literary / archaic).

Examples

• “A puissant alumni film still has to name the fire warden.”
• “Strong is not weak (already in A1). Powerful is very strong or influential (already in B2). Potent is strong in effect (already in C1). Redoubtable is formidable (this batch). Pusillanimous is contemptibly timid (this batch) — the contrast. A named post can still be held by anyone. A film that never states the night cover is theatre. Write the rota; leave the credits.”

Good to know

Powerful (literary). Everyday: strong (already in this dictionary). Close: powerful (already in B2); potent (already in C1). This batch: redoubtable; pusillanimous (the contrast). A film ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

powerful, mighty, potent, influential

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