Words / B2

ORTH-uh-ryz/ˈɔːθəraɪz/

To authorise is to give official permission for something: authorise a refund, authorise access. Allow is everyday and weaker; permit is close; approve is a cousin (you can approve a plan and then authorise the spending). Authorisation is the British noun; authorised is the adjective. British spelling is authorise, not authorize, in this dictionary. In speech, give permission or sign off is more natural.

Meaning

To give official permission for something.

Examples

• “Only the manager can authorise refunds.”
• “Only the head can authorise a trip that leaves before the bell.”
• “The form is not valid until it is authorised in writing.”

Good to know

Give official permission. British: authorise / authorisation. Everyday: allow / sign off. Close: permit / approve.

Near in meaning

permit

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