Dictionary monolingual
English
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.
Authority -
Power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience
Example: The principal has the authority to suspend students for misbehavior.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, legal contexts
Note: Authority in this sense implies the ability to control or command others.
An expert in a particular subject or field
Example: She is an authority on Renaissance art.
Usage: formalContext: academic discussions, research
Note: This usage highlights someone's expertise or knowledge in a specific area.
A person or organization having power or control in a particular area
Example: The local authorities are responsible for maintaining public order.
Usage: formalContext: government, administrative contexts
Note: This refers to entities that have the legal right to make decisions or enforce laws.
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.
The police have the authority to enforce the law.
She has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the company.
The teacher's authority in the classroom is important for maintaining discipline.
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.
...