adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

authoritative

aw-THO-rih-tuh-tihv

Authoritative (adj) means Recognised as reliable, accurate, and worth trusting because of its expertise. Example: “This textbook is considered the authoritative guide to the subject.”

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adj

Recognised as reliable, accurate, and worth trusting because of its expertise.

"This textbook is considered the authoritative guide to the subject."

Having a commanding, confident manner that inspires obedience or trust.

"She spoke in an authoritative tone that silenced the room."

How to use authoritative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTrusted as an expert source, or speaking with commanding confidence.

Common pairings

authoritative source authoritative tone authoritative account

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more authoritative comparative, most authoritative superlative

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This textbook is considered the _____ guide to the subject.

Etymology

From authority plus the suffix -ative, both ultimately from Latin auctor ("originator").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for authoritative

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “authoritative” mean?

The word “authoritative” means recognised as reliable, accurate, and worth trusting because of its expertise. In plain terms, trusted as an expert source, or speaking with commanding confidence.

How do you pronounce “authoritative”?

“Authoritative” is pronounced aw-THO-rih-tuh-tihv (/əˈθɔɹɪˌteɪtɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “authoritative” in a sentence?

Here is “authoritative” used in a sentence: “This textbook is considered the authoritative guide to the subject.”

What part of speech is “authoritative”?

“Authoritative” is an adjective.

Where does the word “authoritative” come from?

The word “authoritative” comes from Latin. From authority plus the suffix -ative, both ultimately from Latin auctor ("originator").

Is “authoritative” a common word?

“Authoritative” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “authoritative” have?

“Authoritative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: recognised as reliable, accurate, and worth trusting because of its expertise.