potenziare
/po.tenˈt͡sja.re/
To empower in Italian is potenziare.
In modern Italian business and political contexts, potenziare is used to translate 'empower' in the sense of enhancing capabilities or resources.
Meaning: to give confidence and/or strength to (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of potenza (power) and the suffix -iare (to make/to act upon), literally meaning to make powerful or to increase the power of something.
Which one should you use?
While potenziare is often used for technical or systemic strengthening (like potenziare un segnale – to boost a signal), it is the standard translation for 'empower' when referring to increasing the effectiveness or capacity of a process or tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle is potenziato, which is used to describe something that has been empowered or strengthened.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /po.tenˈtsja.re/.
Did you know?
- While potenziare translates to 'empower' in professional contexts, an Italian would never use it to describe a boss giving an employee more autonomy. In that specific social sense, they use dare potere or delegare.
- In the world of athletics, Italians use potenziare to refer to 'power training'. It is a common way to describe a regimen aimed at increasing an athlete's physical strength or explosive power.
- The word potenza is the direct root of the English word 'potency', showing a shared linguistic history regarding latent strength.
Examples in context
- Dobbiamo potenziare la squadra.We need to empower the team.
- Il corso serve a potenziare le tue capacità.The course is intended to empower your skills.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing a new training project.
- FrancescoGiulia, dobbiamo potenziare il nostro team di vendita.Giulia, we need to empower our sales team.
- GiuliaSono d'accordo, hanno bisogno di più autonomia.I agree, they need more autonomy.
- FrancescoOrganizziamo un seminario per dare loro forza.Let's organize a seminar to give them strength.
- GiuliaOttima idea, Francesco, inizio a pianificare subito.Great idea, Francesco, I'll start planning right away.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry potenziare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
