Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Leverage
noun / verb
/ LEV-er-ij /
Easy
Meaning
The use of a relatively small resource to exert disproportionately large influence or power; (verb) to use something to maximum advantage
Origin / Etymology
Old French levier (a lever) from Latin levare (to raise)
Synonyms
Influence
Clout
Power
Capitalize on
Antonyms
Weakness
Disadvantage
Vulnerability
Example Sentence
"India can leverage its demographic dividend to become the global skilled workforce supplier of the 21st century, if higher education quality and vocational training are urgently upgraded."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Versatile for GS1, GS2, GS3 essays. Common phrases: 'leverage diplomatic ties', 'leverage its strategic location', 'leverage technology for governance', 'financial leverage' (debt-to-equity ratio in GS3 economy). Also appears as a noun in IR: 'India has leverage over smaller neighbours through development assistance'.
Relevant Subjects