Authority

Pronunciation: /əˈθɔr.ə.ti/

Definitions of authority

noun a person or organization having political or administrative power and control

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher is the authority in the classroom.

A2 The police officer has the authority to enforce the law.

B1 The government has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the country.

B2 The CEO has the authority to make executive decisions for the company.

C1 The judge has the authority to interpret and apply the law.

C2 The United Nations has the authority to intervene in global conflicts.

Examples of authority in a Sentence

formal The authority figures in the government are responsible for making important decisions.

informal I always try to follow the rules to avoid getting in trouble with the authorities.

slang I don't trust those authorities, they seem shady.

figurative She spoke with the authority of someone who had experienced it firsthand.

Grammatical Forms of authority

• past tense: authorized
• plural: authorities
• comparative: more authoritative
• superlative: most authoritative
• present tense: authorizes
• future tense: will authorize
• perfect tense: has authorized
• continuous tense: is authorizing
• singular: authority
• positive degree: authoritative
• infinitive: to authorize
• gerund: authorizing
• participle: authorized

Origin and Evolution of authority

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'authority' originated from the Latin word 'auctoritas' which is derived from the Latin word 'auctor' meaning 'originator' or 'promoter'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'authority' has evolved to not only refer to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, but also to the expertise or credibility in a particular subject or field.