potens
[ˈpɔ.tẽːs]
The English phrase powerful can be translated into Latin as potens or imperiōsus.
Meaning: having or capable of exerting power, potency or influence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| potens | [ˈpɔ.tẽːs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpɔː.tens] (narrow) |
| imperiōsus |
Both words describe having or being capable of exerting power, potency or influence.
Which one should you use?
potens is the general term for being powerful or having the capacity to do something. In contrast, imperiōsus specifically implies having command or imperial authority, carrying a stronger connotation of political or military command.
How does it change in a sentence?
potens is a third-declension adjective, which means its forms will change depending on the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies (for example, potens or potentis).
Did you know?
- In Latin, the concept of 'power' is split between potestas, which is legal or official power, and auctoritas, which is the social influence of a powerful person.
- The Latin word for a powerful person's 'influence' is gratia, which literally translates to 'grace' or 'favor'.
- The word imperiōsus shares a root with 'empire', but in certain Roman contexts, it could describe someone who is merely arrogant or domineering.
Examples in context
- Caesar erat potens et efficax.Caesar was powerful and efficient.
- Hic est potens rex.This is a powerful king.
- Vir magnae potentiae est.The man is of great power.
- Ille est fortis pugil.He is a powerful boxer.
- Rex est vir potens.The king is a powerful man.
- Hic est locus potens.This is a powerful place.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss a local leader.
- ClaudiaEstne Marcus vir potens?Is Marcus a powerful man?
- MarcusIta, Marcus est valde potens.Yes, Marcus is very powerful.
- ClaudiaQuid vult facere?What does he want to do?
- MarcusVult regere totam provinciam.He wants to rule the whole province.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “powerful” translations and entries potens, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
