empower

USAGE SUMMARY

'empower' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe giving someone or something the authority or power to do something, such as in the sentence, "The course empowered the students to take charge of their lives and career paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asked about domestic opposition to the deal, the White House said it was not opposed to Congress providing oversight over the final settlement, but was vehemently opposed to legislation that would either empower the legislature to approve the deal or otherwise prevent officials from finalising the detail.

The Guardian

By not being appropriately represented on the plan, the city's urban poor lacked the opportunity to empower themselves.

The Guardian

"They're saying do this nuclear deal with [president Hassan] Rouhani and [foreign minister Mohammad Javad] Zarif and it will empower them to moderate Iranian political life to the benefit of everyone, Iranians and non-Iranians," he said.

The Guardian

If we are to deliver on our ambitions to empower new consumer behaviours, it is essential that we listen to the science and go beyond the limitations of traditional self-reporting research methodologies as a source of insight.

The Guardian

By "teaching them to fish" we empower them to be a force for positive change long after we go home.

The Guardian

Let's empower and enfranchise our young people".

The Guardian

And it's a testament to the power of creativity, not only as a valuable tool for reminiscing, but as something that can empower people with dementia, adding dignity and control, making them tellers of their own stories.

The Guardian

To empower marginalised communities we need to reconnect with political mobilisations at the grassroots level, which can truly give voice to the unheard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whiteness, like all racial identities, is a relatively recent historical concept, conceived during European colonialism and American slavery as a way to empower poor whites with "whiteness" and divide them politically and economically from other disenfranchised people.

The Guardian - Opinion

In an interview with the Guardian last year, she questioned whether feminism is "really only girl power, and you-go-girl, and empower yourself, and be the best you can be?

The Guardian - Film

The proposed sustainable development goals (SDGs), which will replace the millennium development goals (MDGs), feature a standalone goal on gender, which encourages the world to "achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empower", specify who or what is being empowered and the context in which this empowerment takes place to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "Education empowers", specify "Education empowers women to achieve economic independence".

Common error

Avoid using "empower" to describe actions that merely offer temporary assistance or do not genuinely lead to increased autonomy or control. Ensure the actions truly result in sustainable and significant increases in the individual's or group's ability to shape their own lives or circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "empower" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating who or what is being given power or authority. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "empower" is a transitive verb that is used to describe the act of giving someone power, authority, or confidence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a grammatically sound and frequently used word in English. The phrase appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, making it appropriate for both neutral and professional communication styles. To use the word effectively, specify who or what is being empowered and the context in which the empowerment takes place. Avoid overstating the impact of empowerment by ensuring that the described actions lead to real and sustainable autonomy. Consider alternatives such as "enable", "authorize", or "strengthen" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give authority to

Focuses on the act of formally granting power.

grant power to

Emphasizes bestowing power as a right or privilege.

authorize

Similar to give authority, but implies official permission.

enable

Highlights making something possible through empowerment.

delegate authority

Focuses on passing down authority from a higher position.

invest with power

Suggests endowing someone with a specific kind of power.

equip

Suggests providing the necessary resources and skills.

strengthen

Focuses on building confidence and capability.

capacitate

A more formal synonym suggesting an increase in capacity or ability.

license

Implies granting a legal or official permission.

FAQs

How can I use "empower" in a sentence?

The verb "empower" means to give someone power or authority. For example, "The training program aimed to "empower" women in the workplace".

What are some alternatives to using "empower"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "enable", "authorize", or "strengthen" as alternatives to "empower".

What does it mean to "empower" someone?

To "empower" someone means to give them the authority or power to do something, or to give them more confidence and strength. It often involves enabling them to increase control over their own life or situation.

Is "empower" a formal word?

"Empower" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use depends on the specific situation and the intended audience. In general, it's a versatile word that can be used in various types of writing and speech.