authority
Pluralauthorities
- 1The people in charge of keeping order, like the police or other officials.
Like the grown-ups in charge who keep everyone safe and make sure the rules are followed.
Report the broken streetlight to the right authority.
The authorities shut down the road after the crash.
UsageUsually the authorities.
Similarofficials
- 2The power or permission to make decisions, give orders, enforce rules, or act for someone else.
Like a referee in a game: players have to follow what they decide.
A teacher has the authority to keep order in the classroom.
Police officers are given authority to stop dangerous drivers.
UsageOften authority over someone.
Similarpower, right, jurisdiction, control, command
Note
- 3Being known and trusted as an expert on a subject.
Like a doctor whose advice people trust because they have studied for years.
Years of research gave her real authority in the field.
He spoke with authority about ancient Rome.
UsageOften speak with authority.
Note
- 4A person or book you can trust to give correct facts about a subject.
Like the friend everyone asks because they always know the right answer.
She is an authority on butterflies.
This book is the leading authority on local history.
UsageSay an authority on something.
Similarexpert, specialist
Note
- 5A public agency set up by the government to run a service, like water or transport.
Like a company, but owned by the government to help the public.
The transit authority raised bus fares this year.
A new water authority will manage the region's reservoirs.
UsageOften part of a name: the Port Authority.
Similaragency, commission, board
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Latin auctoritas, meaning influence or command, from auctor meaning author or leader. It reached English through Old French.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Authority comes from Latin auctoritas, whose meanings include influence and command. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin auctoritas derives from auctor, meaning author or leader. en.wiktionary.org
- Authority reached English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org