authority — the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈθɔːrəti/
Example Sentences
- My mom's authority over the TV remote is absolute and unquestionable.
- The health authorities recommend washing hands frequently.
- He quoted Shakespeare with the authority of someone who actually read the footnotes.
authority
NOUN[/əˈθɔːrəti/]
the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
The judge's authority silenced the entire courtroom with one firm gavel strike.
AUTHOR(creator) + ITY(state) — proving his state(ITY) as the original AUTHOR(creator) of the massive textbook, the old professor was the absolute authority on the subject.
Giving top priority to the glowing red stamp, the hospital instantly closed its doors following the strict order from the health authority.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'auctoritas', derived from 'auctor' meaning 'author' or 'originator', which comes from 'augere' meaning 'to increase or grow'. The word evolved through Old French to Middle English, taking on the meaning of power, influence, and the right to command.
Breakdown
Latin 'auct-' (from augere, to increase/originate) + '-or' (one who) + '-itas' (noun suffix indicating quality/state) = auctoritas (originating power/influence) → English authority
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's authority over the TV remote is absolute and unquestionable.”
“The health authorities recommend washing hands frequently.”
“He quoted Shakespeare with the authority of someone who actually read the footnotes.”
“The police officer showed his badge to establish his authority.”
“My cat believes she has the authority to knock everything off my desk.”
📚Related Words
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