Definition

Noun: 1. Influence; Power: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. This power often stems from social position, wealth, or authority. 2. Force; Faction: A powerful group or collective within society, often with a specific agenda or ideology.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Influence/Power):
  • Ông ta có thế lực lớn trong ngành ngân hàng. (He has great influence in the banking industry.)
  • Thế lực của đồng tiền là rất lớn. (The power of money is immense.)
• Noun (Force/Faction):
  • Các thế lực phản động bị đánh bại. (The reactionary forces were defeated.)
  • Nhiều thế lực chính trị tham gia vào cuộc bầu cử. (Many political factions participated in the election.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of organized, institutional, or covert power, rather than personal charisma. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.
• "thế lực đen tối" / "thế lực ngầm": dark forces; hidden powers. Refers to secretive, often malicious, influential groups.
  • Anh ta bị chi phối bởi những thế lực đen tối. (He is controlled by dark forces.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lực lượng (n): force, troops. Typically refers to a more concrete, organized body like a military or police force.
• Ảnh hưởng (n): influence. Often a more general and personal term for effect or sway over others.
• Quyền lực (n): authority, power. Emphasizes legitimate or official power, often vested in a position.

Synonyms

• Influence: the capacity to affect someone or something.
• Power: the ability to direct or influence people or events.
• Faction: a small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one.
• Force: an organized body with power (e.g., military force, political force).

Related Idioms

• Có thế lực: to be influential; to have clout.
  • Công ty đó rất có thế lực trên thị trường. (That company is very influential in the market.)
• Thế lực cát cứ: separatist or regional warlord forces. Refers to powers that control a region independently of the central authority.

noun

1. influence