authority

au·thor·i·ty

noun \ə-ˈthär-ə-tē, ȯ-, -ˈthȯr-\

plural au·thor·i·ties

Definition of AUTHORITY

1

a (1) : a citation (as from a book or file) used in defense or support (2) : the source from which the citation is drawn

b (1) : a conclusive statement or set of statements (as an official decision of a court) (2) : a decision taken as a precedent (3) : testimony

c : an individual cited or appealed to as an expert

2

a : power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior

b : freedom granted by one in authority : right

3

a : persons in command; specifically : government

b : a governmental agency or corporation to administer a revenue-producing public enterprise <the transit authority>

4

a : grounds, warrant <had excellent authority for believing the claim>

b : convincing force <lent authority to the performance>

Examples of AUTHORITY

1. The boss is not popular but his authority is unquestioned.
2. She has an air of authority.
3. Her southern accent lent authority to her performance.
4. We reported the incident to hospital authorities.
5. Local authorities are investigating the accident.

Origin of AUTHORITY

Middle English auctorite, from Anglo-French auctorité, from Latin auctoritat-, auctoritas opinion, decision, power, from auctor

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to AUTHORITY

Synonyms

ace, adept, artist, expert, cognoscente, connoisseur, crackerjack (also crackajack), dab [chiefly British], dab hand [chiefly British], fiend, geek, guru, hand, hotshot, maestro, master, maven (also mavin), meister, past master, proficient, scholar, shark, sharp, virtuoso, whiz, wizard

Antonyms

amateur, inexpert, nonexpert

Related Words

pro, professional; consultant, hired gun, specialist; addict, aficionado (also afficionado), buff, devotee, enthusiast, fan; craftsman, journeyman; all-rounder [British], jack-of-all-trades, Renaissance man; mistress

Near Antonyms

apprentice, beginner, neophyte, novice; dabbler, dilettante; layman, nonprofessional

See Synonym Discussion at influence, power

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

Rhymes with AUTHORITY

majority, minority, priority, seniority, sonority, sorority