authority
aw-THO-ruh-tee
Authority (noun) means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience. Example: “Only the head teacher has the authority to close the school in bad weather.”
noun
1
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
"Only the head teacher has the authority to close the school in bad weather."
"The manager has the authority to approve refunds."
"Parliament has the authority to pass new laws."
2
A person or source widely recognised as an expert on a subject.
"As an authority on bees, she was invited to speak at the festival."
"Many people regard this book as the leading authority on home gardening."
"He's a leading authority on Renaissance art."
3
A government body responsible for a particular public service.
"The local health authority opened a new clinic on the edge of town."
"Contact the housing authority if your landlord refuses to fix the heating."
"The water authority issued a hosepipe ban during the drought."
How to use authority
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe right to give orders or make decisions, or someone widely trusted as an expert.
Common pairings
have the authority to
leading authority
in a position of authority
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Word forms
- Plural
- authorities
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Only the head teacher has the _____ to close the school in bad weather.
Etymology
From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for authority
See all rhymes for authority →Frequently asked questions
What does “authority” mean?
The word “authority” means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience. In plain terms, the right to give orders or make decisions, or someone widely trusted as an expert.
How do you pronounce “authority”?
“Authority” is pronounced aw-THO-ruh-tee (/əˈθɔɹədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “authority” in a sentence?
Here is “authority” used in a sentence: “The manager has the authority to approve refunds.”
What part of speech is “authority”?
“Authority” is a noun.
Where does the word “authority” come from?
The word “authority” comes from Latin. From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").
Is “authority” a common word?
“Authority” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “authority” have?
“Authority” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
What is the difference between authority and power?
Authority is the recognised right to give orders and make decisions — power that others accept as legitimate, like a judge's or manager's. Power is the broader ability to influence or control people and events, whether or not it is legitimate. Someone can hold power through force without ever having real authority.
What are the types of authority?
The sociologist Max Weber described three classic types. Traditional authority rests on long-standing custom, like a monarchy. Charismatic authority flows from a leader's personal appeal. Legal-rational authority comes from rules and offices, as in modern governments and companies. Most real institutions blend more than one of these sources.
What are other meanings of 'authority'?
Besides the right to command, authority can mean an expert — 'she is an authority on Roman history' — someone whose knowledge is widely trusted. It can also name an official body or organisation, such as a local authority or transport authority. All senses carry the idea of recognised standing or control.
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