authority

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.

“Authority” is pronounced aw-THO-ruh-tee (/əˈθɔɹədi/ in IPA).

Here is “authority” used in a sentence: “The manager has the authority to approve refunds.”

“Authority” is a noun.

The word “authority” comes from Latin. From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").

“Authority” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

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.

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.