authoritative Definition
- 1commanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed
- 2considered to be the best of its kind and unlikely to be improved upon
Using authoritative: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "authoritative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The book provides an authoritative account of the war.
Example
She has an authoritative manner that at times can be intimidating.
Example
The company is an authoritative source on the subject of renewable energy.
authoritative Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for authoritative
Antonyms for authoritative
Phrases with authoritative
someone who is respected and obeyed because of their knowledge or expertise in a particular area
Example
As a professor, she is seen as an authoritative figure in her field.
a voice that is confident and commanding, conveying a sense of expertise or knowledge
Example
The news anchor's authoritative voice reassured viewers during the crisis.
a source that is considered reliable and trustworthy, often due to its expertise or reputation
Example
The report cites several authoritative sources on the subject of climate change.
Origins of authoritative
from Medieval Latin 'auctoritativus', from 'auctoritas' meaning 'authority'
Summary: authoritative in Brief
'Authoritative' [əˈθɔːrətətɪv] describes someone or something that is commanding, self-confident, and likely to be respected and obeyed. It can also refer to something that is considered the best of its kind and unlikely to be improved upon, as in 'The book provides an authoritative account of the war.' Phrases like 'an authoritative figure' and 'an authoritative source' use the term to denote someone or something that is respected and reliable.