Leverage

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