authority Definition
- 1the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
- 2a person or organization having power or control in a particular, typically political or administrative, sphere
Using authority: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "authority" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government has the authority to impose taxes.
Example
The teacher has the authority to discipline students.
Example
The company's CEO is the ultimate authority on all business decisions.
authority Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for authority
- power
- control
- command
- jurisdiction
- dominance
Antonyms for authority
Idioms Using authority
Example
The powers that be have decided to close the factory down.
Example
The charismatic leader held sway over his followers.
Example
The boss was always throwing his weight around in the office.
Phrases with authority
Example
The new manager is now in authority over the department.
Example
The protesters were challenging the authority of the police.
have the power or right to give orders or make decisions about something or someone
Example
As the team leader, she has authority over all project-related decisions.
Origins of authority
from Old French 'autorité', from Latin 'auctoritas', from 'auctor' (author)
Summary: authority in Brief
The term 'authority' [əˈθɒrəti] refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It can also refer to a person or organization having power or control in a particular sphere. Examples include 'The government has the authority to impose taxes.' and 'The company's CEO is the ultimate authority on all business decisions.' Phrases like 'in authority' and idioms like 'the powers that be' denote positions of power and control.