authoritative
gb/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv/ us/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv/
B2
English
~ 7700
mérvadó, hiteles, tekintélyt parancsoló, határozott, hivatalos, jogerős, kötelező érvényű
B2
1
Usage pattern:
an authoritative [book/report/study/source/guide] on [topic]
This is the most authoritative study on the long-term effects of the drug.
Ez a legmérvadóbb tanulmány a gyógyszer hosszú távú hatásairól.
For an authoritative account of the war, I recommend this historian’s latest book.
A háború hiteles feldolgozásához ennek a történésznek a legújabb könyvét ajánlom.
News outlets around the world treated the report as an authoritative source of data.
The guide is widely regarded as the authoritative reference for web standards.
We need more authoritative information before making such a big decision.
Learner examples
This book is an authoritative guide to English grammar.
Ez a könyv mérvadó útmutató az angol nyelvtanhoz.
The website is not an authoritative source of medical information.
Ez a weboldal nem hiteles orvosi információforrás.
Scientists released an authoritative report on climate change.
Her article is the most authoritative text on this topic.
Students used an authoritative reference when writing their papers.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "authoritative" with "authoritarian." "Authoritative" in this sense means reliable and expert; "authoritarian" describes a person or system that demands strict obedience and often limits freedom. Learners may also think it means "written by the original author," which is incorrect.
Meaning
widely trusted as accurate
Collocations
authoritative source
|authoritative report
|authoritative study
|authoritative guide
|authoritative account
|authoritative reference
Synonyms
reliable (Broader and more common; does not always suggest expert or official status.)
|
definitive (Emphasizes being final and complete; often slightly stronger than "authoritative.")
|
trustworthy (Focuses more on general trust than on expertise or official approval.)
Antonyms
unreliable (Direct opposite; suggests information cannot be trusted.)
|
questionable (Suggests doubt about truth or quality, the opposite of well-established authority.)
Themes
education
|media
|business
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Trusted as correct and complete, often because it comes from an expert or an official group.
Accepted as reliable and accurate, especially because it is based on deep knowledge or official recognition.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
an authoritative [tone/voice/manner/leader/person]
Her voice was calm but authoritative, and the room quickly fell silent.
A hangja nyugodt, de tekintélyt parancsoló volt, és a teremben hamar csend lett.
He has an authoritative manner that makes people trust his decisions.
Olyan tekintélyt parancsoló fellépése van, hogy az emberek megbíznak a döntéseiben.
The coach spoke in an authoritative tone that left no room for debate.
She lacked an authoritative presence, so the team often ignored her instructions.
The spokesperson delivered an authoritative statement that reassured investors.
Learner examples
The teacher spoke in an authoritative voice.
A tanár tekintélyt parancsoló hangon beszélt.
He sounds very authoritative when he gives a speech.
Nagyon határozottnak és tekintélyt parancsolónak hangzik, amikor beszédet mond.
Her authoritative tone made everyone listen carefully.
The manager’s authoritative manner helped solve the problem quickly.
A good leader is calm but authoritative.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix up "authoritative" and "authoritarian." An authoritative person is confident and respected; an authoritarian person is strict and often controlling in a negative way.
Meaning
confident and commanding in manner
Collocations
authoritative voice
|authoritative tone
|authoritative manner
|authoritative style
|authoritative presence
|sound authoritative
Synonyms
commanding (Very close in meaning; often slightly stronger, suggesting clear dominance.)
|
assertive (Emphasizes expressing opinions strongly; may not always have the same sense of accepted authority.)
|
confident (General word for self-belief; does not always mean others accept the person's authority.)
Antonyms
hesitant (Shows lack of confidence, the opposite of firm, authoritative behavior.)
|
weak (Suggests a lack of strength or influence in voice or manner.)
|
timid (Describes shy, fearful behavior, the opposite of strong and assured.)
Themes
emotions
|work
|social
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Speaking or acting in a calm, strong way that makes people listen and obey.
Showing confident, controlled behavior or speech that makes people accept what you say or do.
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
an authoritative [decision/ruling/interpretation/statement]
The court’s authoritative ruling ended years of legal uncertainty.
A bíróság jogerős határozata véget vetett a többéves jogi bizonytalanságnak.
We are still waiting for an authoritative decision from the regulatory agency.
Még mindig a szabályozó hatóság hivatalos döntésére várunk.
This is the only authoritative English version of the treaty.
The minister issued an authoritative statement clarifying the new policy.
Until we receive an authoritative interpretation of the law, companies remain cautious.
Learner examples
The judge made an authoritative decision on the case.
A bíró hivatalos döntést hozott az ügyben.
We need an authoritative ruling before we change the rules.
A szabályok megváltoztatása előtt hivatalos állásfoglalásra van szükségünk.
This is the authoritative version of the contract.
The government gave an authoritative statement about the new tax.
Only the university can give an authoritative answer to this question.
Common mistake:
Learners may treat any strong opinion as "authoritative" in this sense. However, it must come from a person or body that officially has the power to decide, such as a court, government, or recognized institution.
Meaning
coming from an official authority
Collocations
authoritative ruling
|authoritative decision
|authoritative interpretation
|authoritative statement
|authoritative version
|authoritative pronouncement
Synonyms
official (Very close in meaning; slightly broader and more common in everyday speech.)
|
binding (Emphasizes that people are legally or officially required to follow the decision.)
|
final (Focuses on being the last word on a matter, not necessarily on source of authority.)
Antonyms
unofficial (Direct opposite; indicates something does not come from a recognized authority.)
|
provisional (Suggests something temporary or not yet final, the opposite of settled and authoritative.)
Themes
law
|politics
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Coming from an official person or group, so people must follow it or treat it as final.
Issued, decided, or approved by a recognized authority and therefore having legal or official force.
Grammar
Dictionary form
authoritative
IPA
GB/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv/
US/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv/
Syllables & stress
au - thor - it - at - ive (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (thor)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: authoritative
Word family
Core family
Related words
authorized
adjective
authoritarian
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
unauthorized
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
authoritarianism
noun C1
Expressions
authoritative guide
1/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv ɡˈaɪd/
fixed phrase
definitive, highly reliable guide
A book or text that people see as the best and most complete guide on something.
Examples
- This book is an authoritative guide to modern marketing.
- We followed an authoritative guide when designing the new system.
authoritative ruling
1/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv ɹˈulɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
official, final legal decision
An official decision by a court or similar body that people must follow.
Examples
- The tax office issued an authoritative ruling on cryptocurrency gains.
- An authoritative ruling from the court settled the dispute.
authoritative source
1/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv sˈɔɹs/
fixed phrase
highly trusted information source
A person, book, website, or organization that people strongly trust to give correct information.
Examples
- For health advice, you should always use an authoritative source.
- The encyclopedia is considered an authoritative source on this topic.
authoritative statement
1/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv stˈeɪtmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
official announcement from authority
An official message from a government, company, or other important group that people should accept as correct.
Examples
- The company released an authoritative statement denying the rumors.
- We are waiting for an authoritative statement from the ministry.
authoritative voice
1/əθˈɔɹɪtˌeɪtɪv vˈɔɪs/
fixed phrase
confident, commanding way of speaking
A way of speaking that sounds strong and sure, so people listen and follow.
Examples
- The head teacher spoke with an authoritative voice during the assembly.
- In a crisis, people look for someone with an authoritative voice.