superpower

/ˈsuːpəpaʊə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [sˌupɚpˈaʊɚ] /ˈsuːpərpaʊər/ (ame, ipa) · [sˌupɚpˈaʊɚ] /ˈsü-pər-ˌpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce superpower (audio)/ (ame, mw)

superpower — noun

  • superpowersingular
  • superpowersplural

1. one of the world's strongest nations, able to shape events far beyond its own bo

1.名詞C1
釋義

one of the world's strongest nations, able to shape events far beyond its own borders through military force, economic weight, or political influence

例句

After the war, the two superpowers raced to build more missiles.

historical pattern: the two superpowers

Small countries feared becoming pawns in a struggle between superpowers.

同義詞
  • great power

    standard political term, but less extreme than superpower

  • major power

    broader label for an influential country without implying top-tier dominance

  • powerhouse

    common for companies, teams, or industries rather than nations

反義詞
  • minor power

    country with limited influence outside its own region

文法句型

a superpower

the two superpowers

emerge as a superpower

用法筆記

Often used in history and politics for a nation whose reach is global, not merely regional. For a powerful company, city, or sports team, English usually prefers words like 'powerhouse' instead.

常見錯誤

❌The company became a superpower in online shopping.
✅The company became a powerhouse in online shopping.
💡this sense is for countries with worldwide influence, not businesses.

2. an extraordinary ability that a superhero or other fictional character can use,

2.名詞B2
釋義

an extraordinary ability that a superhero or other fictional character can use, such as flying, turning invisible, or freezing time

例句

Lotte's favorite superpower is flying over traffic on school mornings.

pattern: favorite superpower is + -ing form

In the film, Rafael discovers a superpower that lets him freeze time.

pattern: a superpower that lets someone + verb

同義詞

文法句型

have a superpower

a superpower that + clause

choose a superpower

用法筆記

Often follows verbs like 'have', 'get', or 'choose' and is frequently expanded by a clause naming what the ability does. The core meaning belongs to comic-book, fantasy, or science-fiction worlds, even when people use it jokingly about real-life talents.

常見錯誤

❌My phone camera has a superpower that makes photos clearer.
✅My phone camera has a feature that makes photos clearer.
💡use this sense for imagined extraordinary abilities, not normal product functions.