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Definition of authority

authority

/əˈθɔːr.ə.ti/
au · thor · i · ty
Adverb:authoritatively
•
Plural:authorities
•
Adjective:authoritative
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authority Lexical Profile

authority Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Example

"The project manager has the authority to approve budget changes."

2

A person or organization having political or administrative power and control within a particular sphere (often used in the plural).

Example

"Local authorities are working to restore electricity after the storm."

3

A person with extensive or specialized knowledge about a subject; an accepted source of reliable information.

Example

"She is a leading international authority on marine biology."

4

Official permission or sanction to do something.

Example

"The contractor acted without the authority of the homeowner."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for authority

• Nearby Words

authoritative
authoritatively
authoritativeness
authority
authorization
authorize
authorizer

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French autorité, from Latin auctoritas ('invention, advice, opinion, influence, command'), derived from auctor ('master, leader, author').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Authority. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/authority
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