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leverage

leverage

140 5.2
Power to influence people or events to get a better result
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛvərɪdʒ/
translation icon : influencia
  • One party, through bluster or leverage, claims control of the situation right away.
  • political leverage
  • gain leverage
  • bargaining leverage

When someone else has the leverage, bad things happen.

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Examples

  • The owner of the machine thus gained unprecedented leverage over the whole process of production and over manpower.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Washington had simply failed to create any effective means of leverage against Syria.

    Academic text (2013)
  • When someone else has the leverage, bad things happen.

  • You can create leverage in your business by being better.

  • The U.S. special relationship with Britain provides leverage against the emerging power of a united Europe.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Russia has some leverage with Assad.

  • At least we've got the leverage to do it.

  • Has the dependence on Russian gas given Moscow political leverage over countries to the west?

    Academic text (2011)
  • Without asset-specific resources, the employees have little leverage in a bargaining relationship.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The company used its financial leverage to negotiate better terms with suppliers.

Synonyms

power
vsleverage
3.4

Ability to control people or events

is a specific strategic advantage rather than wide formal authority
influence
vsleverage
806 2.3

Power to change how people think and act and how things develop

is a strategic advantage used to shape decisions or outcomes
pull
vsleverage
80 5.1

A force that draws things or gives someone an advantage

acts as a strategic advantage rather than informal connections
upper hand
vsleverage
  • Informal
54 3.2

A position giving power or advantage over someone in a situation

is an ongoing strategic resource rather than temporary dominance
strong position
vsleverage
9 3.9

A situation that gives someone more power in talks or competition

serves as an applied advantage used to shape choices or events
trump card
vsleverage
5 3.8

A strong advantage that gives someone a winning edge

is a broad strategic advantage not limited to one decisive resource
to clout
vsleverage
1 4.7

To use power or influence to change a decision

is a planned advantage focused on negotiation or outcome

Antonyms

A feeling of being unable to control or change what happens

How Influential

power
3.4
leverage
140 5.2
to clout
1 4.7
influence
806 2.3

Surface Forms

leverage singular
leverages plural

Morphology

leverage = lever (opaque) = lever + age

This abstract sense extends the mechanical meaning metaphorically, so the connection to 'lever' is indirect for learners.

Etymology

Leverage meaning power or influence also comes from the same image of a lever that makes a small force do more. So having 'leverage' in people or business matters is having a small advantage that can strongly affect the result.