authority

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 威 is associated with authority or power; its on-reading is い.
• Basic usage: 威力(いりょく) means power or a strong effect, while 威張る(いばる) means to show off or act arrogant.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• An actual effect and an arrogant manner
  • 威力 applies to a remark's effect in easing tension as well as to a tool's power to cut hard wood.
  • 少し威張った means that someone showed off a little. 威張る describes an attitude such as boasting about a win or making a show of high rank.