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Merriam Webster defines “power” nine different ways.

No two women found the same meaning in the wordand many noted that power has its downsides, too.

A collage of women at Marie Claire�s Power Play event including Nia Batts, Sophia Bush, Richa Moorjani, Nikki Ogunnaike, and Courteney Cox

Everyone agreed it’s more deeply personal than the dictionary lets on.

Ahead, entrepreneurs, actresses, and creatives explain what power means to them.

Forget stale definitions: Their takes are much more inspiring.

Tina Knowles onstage with Nikki Ogunnaike at Power Play to discuss Cecred

Tina Knowles, vice chairwoman ofCecred:“Power means fuel for me.

Mary Pryor, co-founder ofCannaclusive:“Peace.

Tina Knowles (right) thinks of power like fuel.

Hillary Kerr, Sophia Bush, Nia Batts at the 2024 Marie Claire Power Play Conference

It helps her feel her best, for herself and for others.

Richa Moorjani, actress:Power to me is uplifting others.

Courteney Cox, actress, director, and founder ofHomecourt:“Power means confidence to me.

Rupi Kaur performs at the 2024 Marie Claire Power Play Summit on March 18, 2024.

It means that you feel good about yourself and feel that you could do anything.”

Nia Batts, investor and activist:“Power to me means opportunity.

When we have conversations regarding equity, power also comes into play.

Princess Isabella of Denmark wearing an orange gown looking in a mirror

This comes from designing an authentic, integrated life that is true to you and you alone.”

Ingrid Murra, founder ofTwo Front:“Power is unlocking the ability to make change.

Making change is real power.”

King Charles laughing and Queen Camilla looking serious behind him

Rupi Kaur, poet:Power means being able to use my voice and have my voice be heard.

Its stepping into my light and knowing my worth while acknowledging others' light as well.

We shine brighter when we shine together.

festival - kate moss

The Danish royal celebrated her 18th birthday with a relatable new portrait.

Soap star Carli Norris shared the hilarious story in a new interview.

Featuring plenty of Kate Moss.

a collage of movie stills from the substance the last showgirl and nightbitch organized in what looks like film reels

The Girls Who Code founder is launching “My So-Called Midlife” on October 16.

The WNBA star and author spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for ‘Marie Claire’ podcast “Nice Talk.”

These memoirs and nonfiction titles will inspire you to focus on your personal ambitions.

brynn whitfield wears a sparkly dress and red lipstick while smiling in an image with nice talk podcast branding frame

a head shot of chani nicholas with a border promoting her appearance on the nice talk podcast

reshma saujani poses in a black blazer and smiles with mention of her appearance on the nice talk podcast

a collage of amanda zurawski and chelsea clinton and the state of texas with a my body my choice sign

a head shot of girls who code founder reshma saujani as she wears a blazer and red lipstick

a’ja wilson on the nice talk podcast

career memoirs by women books