Dictionary
English - Spanish
Authority
əˈθɔrədi
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Autoridad, Poder, Autorización, Experto, Mando
Authority meanings in Spanish
Autoridad
Example:
The government has the authority to make laws.
El gobierno tiene la autoridad para hacer leyes.
She spoke with authority on the subject.
Ella habló con autoridad sobre el tema.
Usage: FormalContext: Legal, governmental, or official contexts
Note: This is the most common translation of 'authority' in Spanish, referring to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Poder
Example:
The manager has the authority to hire new employees.
El gerente tiene el poder de contratar nuevos empleados.
She has the authority to sign the contract.
Ella tiene el poder para firmar el contrato.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to express the ability or right to control or influence others
Note: In some contexts, 'poder' can be used interchangeably with 'autoridad' to convey the idea of power or authority.
Autorización
Example:
You need authority to access this information.
Necesitas autorización para acceder a esta información.
I have the authority to approve the budget.
Tengo la autorización para aprobar el presupuesto.
Usage: FormalContext: Refers to permission or official consent granted to do something
Note: In certain contexts, 'autorización' can be used as a synonym for 'authority' when referring to permission granted for specific actions.
Experto
Example:
She is an authority in the field of biology.
Ella es una experta en el campo de la biología.
He is an authority on ancient civilizations.
Él es un experto en civilizaciones antiguas.
Usage: FormalContext: Refers to a person with extensive knowledge or expertise in a particular subject
Note: 'Experto' can be used to describe someone who is recognized as having specialized knowledge or skill in a specific area.
Mando
Example:
The officer took authority of the situation.
El oficial tomó el mando de la situación.
The captain has authority over the crew.
El capitán tiene el mando sobre la tripulación.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Refers to control or leadership in a specific situation
Note: 'Mando' can be used to convey the idea of taking control or having command over a group or situation.
Authority's synonyms
Power
Power refers to the ability or capacity to control or influence others. It can be used in a similar context to authority, especially in terms of having the right to command or enforce obedience.
Example: The government has the power to make laws.
Note: While authority often implies a legitimate right to command or make decisions, power can be more general and may not always be based on formal authorization.
Control
Control is the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. It can be used interchangeably with authority in contexts where someone has the ability to dictate actions or decisions.
Example: The manager has control over the company's finances.
Note: Control emphasizes the act of directing or managing, while authority focuses more on the right or permission to do so.
Dominion
Dominion refers to sovereignty or control over a territory or group of people. It implies a strong authority and power to rule or govern.
Example: The king ruled with absolute dominion over his subjects.
Note: Dominion conveys a sense of supreme authority and ownership, often associated with rulers or leaders, while authority can be more broadly applied to various contexts.
Authority expressions, common phrases
In authority
Being in a position of power or control.
Example: The manager is in authority to make decisions for the team.
Note: This phrase focuses on the position or status of having power rather than just the concept of authority itself.
Question authority
To challenge or scrutinize those in power.
Example: It's important to question authority to ensure transparency and fairness.
Note: While 'authority' refers to the power to give orders, 'question authority' emphasizes the act of challenging that power.
Authority figure
A person who has power or influence over others, often in a position of leadership.
Example: The police officer is considered an authority figure in the community.
Note: This phrase specifies that the person is seen as a figure of power and respect, not just possessing authority in a general sense.
Authoritative voice
A voice that conveys confidence, knowledge, and control.
Example: The professor spoke with an authoritative voice, commanding attention from the students.
Note: This phrase refers to the manner in which someone speaks or communicates, indicating a sense of certainty and expertise.
Ultimate authority
The highest level of power or control in a particular context.
Example: The CEO is the ultimate authority in the company, with the final say on all decisions.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the highest level of authority in a specific setting, indicating the ultimate decision-making power.
Challenge authority
To question or oppose those in power, typically in a formal or organized manner.
Example: The students decided to challenge authority by organizing a protest against the school's policies.
Note: Similar to 'question authority,' this phrase involves actively contesting or resisting established power structures.
In the authority of
Acting or making decisions on behalf of a higher power or organization.
Example: The document was signed in the authority of the board of directors.
Note: This phrase indicates acting with the permission or representation of a higher entity, unlike having inherent authority.
Authority everyday (slang) expressions
The Man
This term is used to refer to a person or system in authority, often in a negative or oppressive context.
Example: Don't let The Man get you down.
Note: This slang term carries a more informal and sometimes rebellious connotation compared to the word 'authority'.
Big Brother
Originally from George Orwell's novel '1984', now used to refer to government or authority figures exerting control or surveillance.
Example: Big Brother is always watching.
Note: This term has a more intrusive and ominous implication compared to the neutral term 'authority'.
Boss
Informal term to refer to someone in a position of authority, especially in a workplace setting.
Example: I need to ask my boss for time off.
Note: While 'boss' implies authority, it has a more casual and approachable tone compared to 'authority'.
Top Brass
Colloquial term for high-ranking officials or leaders within an organization or institution.
Example: The top brass will be making the final decision.
Note: This term is more informal and can sometimes carry a sense of exclusivity compared to the term 'authority'.
Commander in Chief
Refers to the highest-ranking officer in a military chain of command, often associated with political or military leadership.
Example: The Commander in Chief issued a new directive.
Note: This term specifically denotes the highest authority within a military or governmental structure, emphasizing power and command.
Head Honcho
Informal term for the person in charge or the main authority figure.
Example: The head honcho decided to implement the new policy.
Note: This slang term is more lighthearted and colloquial compared to the formal term 'authority'.
The Powers That Be
Refers to those who hold authority or influence in a particular context or organization.
Example: We need approval from the powers that be before proceeding.
Note: This expression emphasizes a sense of mystery or impersonal power compared to the clearer term 'authority'.
Authority - Examples
I respect authority and always follow the rules.
Respeto la autoridad y siempre sigo las reglas.
The police have the authority to enforce the law.
La policía tiene la autoridad para hacer cumplir la ley.
She has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the company.
Ella tiene la autoridad para tomar decisiones en nombre de la empresa.
The teacher's authority in the classroom is important for maintaining discipline.
La autoridad del maestro en el aula es importante para mantener la disciplina.
Authority grammar
Authority - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: authority
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): authorities, authority
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): authority
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Authority Contains 4 syllables: au • thor • i • ty
Phonetic transcription: ə-ˈthȯr-ə-tē
au thor i ty , ə ˈthȯr ə tē (The red syllable is stressed)
Authority - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Authority: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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