noun

authority

aw-THO-ruh-tee

noun

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

"The manager has the authority to approve refunds."

"Parliament has the authority to pass new laws."

A person or source widely recognised as an expert on a subject.

"He's a leading authority on Renaissance art."

A government body responsible for a particular public service.

"The water authority issued a hosepipe ban during the drought."

How to Use Authority

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe right to give orders or make decisions, or someone widely trusted as an expert.

Common pairings

have the authority to leading authority in a position of authority

authorities plural

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The manager has the _____ to approve refunds.

From Old French auctorité, from Latin auctōritās ("influence, command"), from auctor ("author, originator").

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