Wielding
/ˈwiːldɪŋ/
verbB2present participle
Definition
Wielding is the act of holding and using an object, often a tool, weapon, or power, with skill and control. It means you are actively managing or directing something to achieve a purpose.
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See It in Action
Holding and using a tool or weapon with skill
- •The knight was wielding a shining sword in battle.
- •She was wielding a paintbrush to create beautiful art.
- •The gardener was wielding a sharp pair of shears to trim the bushes.
Using power, influence, or authority
- •The leader was wielding great political power in the country.
- •He is wielding his influence to help the community.
- •The manager is wielding control over the project decisions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "wielding" like "holding" (A1 word), but with purpose and control—it's not just holding something, but using it actively
- ✓Picture a person holding a big umbrella firmly in the wind, directing it carefully so it doesn’t fly away
- ✓It feels like being in charge of something important, like holding a remote control and deciding what happens next
- ✓Sounds like "WHEEL-ding" → imagine turning a big wheel that controls a machine, showing control and power
- ✓In stories, heroes wield swords to fight, showing they have power and skill
- ✓NOT like "carry" (just moving something from one place to another); wielding means you use it for action
- ✓NOT like "grab" (quick or sudden hold); wielding is steady and controlled use
- ✓NOT like "own" (just possession); wielding means active use or control
Try Other Words
- •Handle: to hold and control something (Use when focusing on physical control but less formal or powerful)
- •Use: to do something with an object or skill (Use in general or simple contexts)
- •Exercise: to apply power or right (Use when talking about power or authority)
- •Carry: to hold and move something from one place to another (Use when moving something, not actively controlling it)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "wield" (root verb) + "-ing" (present participle suffix showing ongoing action)
- •Etymology: From Old English "wieldan," meaning to control or govern, related to holding or managing
- •Historical development: Originally meant to have power or control over something, later also used for holding tools or weapons
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe skillful use of tools, weapons, or power in both literal and figurative ways
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt like you were wielding power or control in your life? How did it feel?
•How does the idea of wielding differ when talking about physical tools versus influence or authority?
Fill in the blanks
1.The soldier was wielding a sword ___ to defend himself during the battle.
2.She is wielding her influence ___ to help improve school conditions.
3.Unlike just carrying a tool, wielding it means you ___ control and skill while using it.
4.When a leader is wielding power, they often ___ important decisions that affect many people.
5.Wielding a paintbrush requires ___ and careful movements to create art.
6.The child was not just holding the toy; he was wielding it ___ like a real sword.
7.To wield authority effectively, a person must ___ responsibility and fairness.