Power
The word power has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root poti (powerful, lord). From this source comes Latin potis (powerful) and, later, Old French povoir (to be able) and Anglo-French pouair.
By 1300, the word power comes to English meaning ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might (especially in battle); efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army. Quite a range of ways in which to be powerful.
Power, meaning one who has power, is from the late 14th century. Power, meaning specific ability or capacity, is from the early 15th century. Power, referring to a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence, is from 1726. Power, meaning the energy available for work, is from 1727. Power, meaning electrical power, is from 1896.
The verb ‘to empower’ comes from the 1650s although its modern use dates from 1986. One can em + power another just as one can also en + courage another.
At the risk of moving beyond etymology, power, like electrical power or wind power, is neither positive or negative, good or bad, in and of itself. We can talk of the power of love just as easily as the power of hate. Power can build and it can destroy. But let that be another conversation.
PIE poti is also the origin of words such as impotent, omnipotent, posse, possible, potent, and potential, and others.
Interestingly, in contrast to PIE poti (powerful lord) and other Latin-based words related power, the English word for lord comes from Old English hlafweard (one who guards the bread)!
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
By 1300, the word power comes to English meaning ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might (especially in battle); efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army. Quite a range of ways in which to be powerful.
Power, meaning one who has power, is from the late 14th century. Power, meaning specific ability or capacity, is from the early 15th century. Power, referring to a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence, is from 1726. Power, meaning the energy available for work, is from 1727. Power, meaning electrical power, is from 1896.
The verb ‘to empower’ comes from the 1650s although its modern use dates from 1986. One can em + power another just as one can also en + courage another.
At the risk of moving beyond etymology, power, like electrical power or wind power, is neither positive or negative, good or bad, in and of itself. We can talk of the power of love just as easily as the power of hate. Power can build and it can destroy. But let that be another conversation.
PIE poti is also the origin of words such as impotent, omnipotent, posse, possible, potent, and potential, and others.
Interestingly, in contrast to PIE poti (powerful lord) and other Latin-based words related power, the English word for lord comes from Old English hlafweard (one who guards the bread)!
Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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