leverage

Pronunciation: /ˈlɛv.(ə.)ɹɪd͡ʒ/

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever
  2. noun strategic advantage; power to act effectively
  3. noun investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)

Etymology

From lever + -age. The verb likely comes from martial arts/judo usage, where one would "use an opponent's leverage (i.e. their weight, height, centre of balance, etc.)" against them in order to defeat them.

In classic literature

Synonyms

purchase

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
mechanical phenomenon

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