Words / B2

or-THOR-uh-tee/ɔːˈθɒrəti/

Authority is the official power to decide, or a person or book people treat as reliable. You have the authority to sign; a leading authority on climate. Power is broader and more political; permission is weaker (someone lets you). The authorities often means the police or government. Authoritative is the adjective for a confident, trusted tone.

Meaning

The power to make decisions, or a person or book that people trust.

Examples

• “The manager has the authority to hire staff.”
• “Only the head teacher has the authority to close the school.”
• “She is an authority on nineteenth-century novels.”

Good to know

have the authority to + verb. an authority on + subject. the authorities = officials.

Near in meaning

power

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