Puissant
/ˈpjuːɪsənt/noun
Having great power, influence, or authority.
Did you know?Puissant ultimately belongs to the same ancient word-family as potent, possible, possess, power, and despot—linking personal might with mastery and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pótis
“Master, lord, or one possessing power”
Ancient Latin
Latin
potis
“Able, powerful, or in command”
Classical Latin
Latin
posse
“To be able; formed from potis plus esse, “to be””
Old French
Old French
puissant
“Powerful; having ability or authority”
Middle English
Middle English
puissaunt
“Powerful, mighty, or influential”
Modern English
English
puissant
“Having great power, influence, or authority”