authority
pronunciation
How to pronounce authority in British English:
UK [ɔːˈθɒrəti]
How to pronounce authority in American English:
US [əˈθɔːrəti]
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- Noun:
- the power or right to give orders or make decisions
- (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
- an expert whose views are taken as definitive
- freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
- an administrative unit of government
- official permission or approval
- an authoritative written work
Word Origin
- authority (n.)
- early 13c., autorite "book or quotation that settles an argument," from Old French auctorité "authority, prestige, right, permission, dignity, gravity; the Scriptures" (12c.; Modern French autorité), from Latin auctoritatem (nominative auctoritas) "invention, advice, opinion, influence, command," from auctor "master, leader, author" (see author (n.)). Usually spelled with a -c- in English till 16c., when it was dropped in imitation of the French. Meaning "power to enforce obedience" is from late 14c.; meaning "people in authority" is from 1610s. Authorities "those in charge, those with police powers" is recorded from mid-19c.
Example
- 1. They destroy all outside authority and civil society .
- 2. Regulators currently have such authority only over banks .
- 3. Ideally , such an authority would be completely centralised .
- 4. They essentially relinquish their decision-making authority to the group .
- 5. Use your blog to build your authority with useful articles and interviews .