leverage
LEV-er-ij
/ˈlɛv.ər.ɪdʒ/
Strategic advantage or power to influence people; or to use something to maximum advantage.
Focuses on utilizing position, resources, or bargaining power to achieve a desired outcome.
The story behind the word. Leverage originated from the physics of mechanical levers, rooted in Latin 'levare' (to lift or lighten). In the 20th century, business and politics adopted the physical concept of moving heavy boulders with small levers to describe gaining massive influence through strategic points.
Word relationships
- advantage: Advantage is general benefit; leverage is tactical mechanical force applied to move a negotiation.
- powerlessness: Complete lack of influence or strategic advantage.
Commonly confused with
- coercion: Leverage uses strategic advantage in bargaining; coercion uses forced threats and illegal intimidation.
Word family
- lever (noun): A mechanical bar used to lift heavy loads or exert influence.
- leveraged (adjective): Utilized to full advantage or financially geared.
Collocations
- gain leverage
- negotiating leverage
- leverage resources
- exert leverage
Example sentences
- "The union gained leverage when three major factories went on strike simultaneously." Labor negotiations
- "The startup sought to leverage its unique algorithm to secure a strategic partnership with the industry giant." Tech startup strategy
Memory hook
LEVERAGE lets you LEVitate a big problem with a small tool. Strategic advantage to move outcomes.
When not to use
Do not use to describe emotional pleading or casual appeals.
Fun facts
- Archimedes famously declared: 'Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.'
Explore more words
agency, clout, outmaneuver, synergize, take advantage of, influence
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