Authority - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience. It can also describe a person or group with recognized expertise in a particular field.
Definition:
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.
Synonyms:
power, control, jurisdiction, command, dominion
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
subservience, weakness
Common Collocations:
exercise authority, challenge authority, local authority, central authority, moral authority
Derivatives:
authoritarian, authorize, authoritative
Usage Tips:
Use "authority" to refer to legitimate power or expertise in a specific field.
Common Phrases:
in authority, on good authority, abuse of authority
Etymology:
From Latin "auctoritas," meaning influence or command, derived from "auctor" (originator).
Examples:
- 1. The teacher has the authority to manage the classroom.
- 2. He spoke with great authority on the topic of climate change.
- 3. The police officer acted under the authority of the law.
- 4. She challenged her boss's authority during the meeting.