leverage

[ˈlɛv.ər.ɪdʒ or ˈliː.vər.ɪdʒ]

noun/verbpl: leverages

alavanca; alavancagem

1. (noun) The mechanical advantage gained by using a lever

The crowbar provides leverage to lift the heavy stone.

A pé de cabra fornece alavanca para levantar a pedra pesada.

2. (noun) Power or ability to act effectively; influence or advantage

Having connections in the industry gives you leverage in negotiations.

Ter conexões na indústria lhe dá alavanca nas negociações.

3. (noun, finance) The use of borrowed money to increase the potential return of an investment

The company used leverage to finance the acquisition.

A empresa usou alavancagem para financiar a aquisição.

4. (verb) To use leverage; to gain or provide advantage

She leveraged her experience to secure a promotion.

Ela alavancou sua experiência para conseguir uma promoção.

NYC Slang

hustle advantage; edge; pull

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

alavanca; alavancagem

Most common usage across Brazil

São Paulo

alavanca; leverage (in business context)

Business terminology often uses English 'leverage' in financial contexts

Portugal

alavanca; influência

Portuguese tends to use 'alavanca' for mechanical and 'influência' for figurative use

use leverage to one's advantage

financial leverage

leverage a position

have leverage over someone

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