adjective

powerful

Having great strength, influence, or effect.

The powerful engine pulls the heavy truck up the hill.

Etymology

The suffix means full of or characterized by. Powerful describes something possessing a large capacity to act, influence, or produce effects.

More examples

  • A powerful senator helps shape the new law.
  • Her speech has a powerful effect on the audience.
  • Powerful winds knock down trees across town.

Forms

powerful · more powerful · most powerful

power noun — Strength or ability to influence events.

powerfully adverb — With great strength, influence, or effect.

Similar words

strong
Often emphasizes physical strength or durability rather than authority.
influential
Emphasizes the ability to shape opinions, decisions, or events.
potent
Emphasizes strong effects, especially those of medicines or chemicals.