authority

Meaning

1. (uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules, give orders, or impose obligation; or a position having such power or right.
2. (countable, plural, uncountable) Persons, regarded collectively, who occupy official positions of power; police or law enforcement.
3. (countable) A reliable, definitive source of information on a subject.
4. (uncountable) Status as a trustworthy source of information, reputation for mastery or expertise; or claim to such status or reputation.
5. (uncountable) Official permission; authorisation to act in some capacity on behalf of a ruling entity.
6. (countable) A government-owned agency that runs a revenue-generating activity for public benefit.

Synonyms

power

control

jurisdiction

influence

might

command

expert

right

rule

authorization

leader

authorisation

government

specialist

dominion

permission

sway

sanction

source

chief

say-so

agency

order

office

🏢

mastery

supremacy

leadership

authorities

prestige

dominance

ascendancy

boss

weight

basis

strength

powerful person

sovereignty

law

rulership

assurance

proof

government agency

capability

dignity

domination

commission

administration

competence

official

self-assurance

Translations

autorité

autoridad

autorità

Autorität

autoriteit

autoridade

Macht

pouvoir

Obrigkeit

gezag

autoritat

Behörde

Einfluss

autorisation

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɔːˈθɒɹəti/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: auctorite

In summary

From Middle English auctorite, autorite (“authority, book or quotation that settles an argument”), from Old French auctorité, from Latin stem of auctōritās (“invention, advice, opinion, influence, command”), from auctor (“master, leader, author”). For the presence of the h, compare the etymology of author.

Sentences

The Palestinian Authority has reportedly practiced torture in the occupied territories over the years .

This authority does not extend to professionals who receive licensure through non-governmental agencies .