What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empower
Example
The manager empowered her team to make decisions on their own. [empowered: verb]
Example
The workshop aimed to empower women to take charge of their careers. [empower: infinitive]
enable
Example
The new software will enable us to work more efficiently. [enable: verb]
Example
The wheelchair ramp enabled the disabled person to access the building. [enabled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Enable is more commonly used than empower in everyday language. Enable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while empower is less common and often used in specific contexts such as social or political issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empower and enable?
Both empower and enable can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, empower may be perceived as more formal due to its association with social or political issues.