What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
authority
Example
The police have the authority to arrest individuals who break the law. [authority: noun]
Example
As a professor, she has the authority to grade and evaluate her students' work. [authority: noun]
jurisdiction
Example
This case falls under the jurisdiction of the federal court. [jurisdiction: noun]
Example
The school principal has jurisdiction over matters related to student discipline. [jurisdiction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Authority is more commonly used than jurisdiction in everyday language. Authority has a broader application and can be used in various contexts, while jurisdiction is more specific and often used in legal or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between authority and jurisdiction?
While authority can be used in both formal and informal contexts, jurisdiction is more commonly used in legal or formal settings due to its specific and technical nature.
