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macht. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
macht, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
macht in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
macht you have here. The definition of the word
macht will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
macht, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Dutch
Etymology
From Middle Dutch macht, from Old Dutch *maht, from Proto-West Germanic *mahti, from Proto-Germanic *mahtiz. Equivalent to mogen (“to may, to be allowed”) + -t (“verbal noun”).
Pronunciation
Noun
macht f (plural machten, diminutive machtje n)
- political power, control
- Antonyms: onmacht, machteloosheid
- power, might, capability
- Synonym: vermogen
- a power in international politics
- Synonym: mogendheid
- a military force, such as an army
- (mathematics) power (of multiplication)
- (Christianity) power (type of angel, ranking above archangel)
Usage notes
- Although it is a cognate to the English word "might", macht typically refers to rulership or effective power rather than physical capabilities or positive qualities. For example: in English, the phrase "a mighty king" will likely evoke the image of an effective, virtuous or strong ruler. In Dutch, however, the etymologically equivalent phrase "een machtige koning" can simply refer to a king with many resources under his control. Historically, macht referred to one's power over their body and mind. See also Kraft vs. Macht.
Derived terms
Descendants
German
Pronunciation
Verb
macht
- third-person singular present of machen
- inflection of machen:
- second-person plural present
- plural imperative