authority
/ɔːˈθɒr.ɪ.ti/- 1.
The right or power to give orders, make decisions, and expect others to obey. This power usually comes from a formal role or position.
- The principal has the authority to suspend students.
- Only the manager has authority to approve refunds.
- He acted without any authority from his supervisor.
- 2.
A person who is widely recognized as an expert on a particular subject. Others trust and rely on their knowledge.
- She is a leading authority on ancient Indian history.
- The doctor is considered an authority on tropical diseases.
- 3.
An official organization or government body that has the legal power to manage a specific area of public life. Often used in the plural.
- The local authority is responsible for maintaining public parks.
- The health authorities issued a travel warning.
- She reported the matter to the relevant authorities.
Adinary Nuance
Authority is often confused with power, control, and influence, but each carries a distinct shade of meaning. "Power" is broad — it is simply the ability to make something happen, with or without anyone's formal approval. "Authority," by contrast, is recognized and granted power; a police officer has authority because a system has given them that right, not just because they are physically strong. "Control" focuses on the act of managing or directing something directly, while "authority" is the legitimacy that makes that control accepted. "Influence," meanwhile, is the softest of the four — it shapes outcomes without any formal permission or role. In IELTS and academic writing, "authority" is the preferred word when you want to highlight an official or institutional source of power.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Quyền hạn
- Spanish
- Autoridad
- Chinese
- 权威
- Japanese
- 権限
- Korean
- 권한
Etymology
From Latin "auctoritas," meaning power or influence, derived from "auctor" (originator, author). It entered Middle English via Old French "autorité" in the 13th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'authority' and 'power'?
- 'Power' is the general ability to make things happen or force others to act. 'Authority' is power that is officially granted and accepted by others — for example, a judge has authority because the legal system recognizes their role, not just because they are powerful.
- When should I say 'the authorities' (plural)?
- Use 'the authorities' (plural) to refer to official organizations or the police/government collectively, especially when you are not naming a specific body. For example: 'She handed the evidence over to the authorities.'
- Can 'authority' refer to a person?
- Yes. When you call someone 'an authority on' a subject, you mean they are a recognized expert in that field. For example: 'Professor Sharma is an authority on Mughal architecture.'
- Is 'authority' formal? Can I use it in everyday speech?
- 'Authority' is neutral to slightly formal. It appears in everyday speech (e.g., 'Who gave you the authority to do that?') as well as in academic and professional writing. It is very common in IELTS essays and formal reports.