superpower
Definition
Noun: 1. A nation or state with dominant global influence: A country that possesses exceptional military, economic, and political power, enabling it to project influence and shape events on a worldwide scale. 2. An extremely powerful capability or force: (Less common) An overwhelming or supreme power in a particular domain.
Usage and Examples
Noun (Global State):
- During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were considered the two rival superpowers.
- The economic and military strength of a superpower allows it to play a decisive role in international diplomacy.
- Some analysts debate whether any single nation can still be called a superpower in today's multipolar world.
Noun (Supreme Capability):
- (Figurative) In the comic book, his superpower was the ability to fly.
- (Figurative) She treats her incredible patience as a personal superpower in negotiations.
Advanced Usage
- "Emerging superpower": A term used to describe a rapidly growing nation (e.g., China, India) that is developing the attributes of a traditional superpower.
- "Superpower rivalry": Refers specifically to the competition for global dominance, most notably between the USA and USSR in the 20th century.
Variants and Related Words
- Hyperpower (n): A term sometimes used to describe a superpower that is dominant to the point of having no near-peer rivals (e.g., the United States in the post-Cold War era).
- Great Power (n): A major nation with significant international influence, but typically less dominant than a superpower.
- Superpowered (adj): Possessing superhuman abilities, as commonly used in fiction (e.g., a superpowered hero).
Synonyms
- Global power
- Major power
- World power
- Hyperpower (context-specific)
- Hegemon (context-specific, implies leadership or dominance)
Antonyms
- Minor power
- Microstate
- Developing nation
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "The burden/responsibility of a superpower": Refers to the global obligations and expectations that come with possessing supreme power.
- With its military might comes the burden of a superpower to help maintain international stability.
- "Superpower status": The condition or position of being a superpower.
- The country invested heavily in its navy to assert its superpower status.
Noun
-
a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world
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