authority
gb/əθˈɔɹɪti/ us/əθˈɔɹɪti/
B1
English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Power to give orders
The right or power to tell people what to do.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has authority over [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'authority' with 'author' because of similar spelling. They may also confuse 'authority' (power) with 'authorization' (permission).
Synonyms
power (General term for the ability to control others; less formal than 'authority'.)
|
control (Emphasizes influence over actions rather than official right.)
Antonyms
subordination (The state of being under someone else's authority.)
|
powerlessness (Lack of ability or right to control.)
Collocations
have authority
|exercise authority
|authority over
|grant authority
|challenge authority
Themes
law
|government
|business
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The police have the authority to arrest suspects.
- As a manager, she has authority over the entire department.
- Only the board has the authority to approve such changes.
- Teachers should use their authority wisely.
- He questioned the authority of the court.
Learner examples
- My boss has the authority to change my schedule.
- The teacher has authority in the classroom.
- Only the police have the authority to stop cars.
- Parents have authority over their children.
- The judge has authority in court.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Expert or influential figure
A person or group that knows a lot about a subject and is respected for it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an authority on [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'authority' here means 'official power', but in this sense it means 'expert'. Context clarifies meaning.
Synonyms
expert (More general term for someone with high skill or knowledge, without implying formal recognition.)
|
specialist (Focuses on narrow, specific knowledge area.)
Antonyms
novice (Someone new to a subject, opposite of an expert.)
Collocations
leading authority
|recognized authority
|authority on
|consult an authority
Themes
education
|media
|science
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is an authority on medieval history.
- The book was written by a leading authority in economics.
- We consulted several authorities before making the decision.
- He quickly became a recognized authority in his field.
Learner examples
- My uncle is an authority on cooking fish.
- She is an authority on English grammar.
- The doctor is an authority on heart problems.
- This writer is an authority in sports news.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Official governing body
An official group that controls and manages something.
Usage pattern:
local/national [authority]
Synonyms
agency (A government or official organization with specific duties.)
|
administration (The group managing an organization or region; broader than 'authority'.)
Antonyms
private entity (An organization not controlled by a government or public body.)
Collocations
local authorities
|health authority
|transport authority
|housing authority
Themes
government
|law
|politics
|business
Examples
- The local authorities are investigating the incident.
- You need permission from the planning authority before building.
- Health authorities have issued a warning about the outbreak.
- The transport authority will close the bridge for repairs.
Learner examples
- The local authorities built a new park.
- You must ask the city authority before you build a house.
- The school works with health authorities to keep students safe.
- Authorities closed the road for repairs.
Noun
formal
B2
property
4
Commanding quality or presence
A way of speaking or acting that makes people respect and follow you.
Synonyms
command (Focuses on ability to direct others effectively, often militaristic.)
|
presence (Refers to the overall impression of confidence and influence.)
Antonyms
timidity (Lack of confidence or assertiveness.)
Collocations
speak with authority
|act with authority
Themes
communication
|leadership
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spoke with great authority on the subject.
- His writing has an air of authority that draws readers in.
- The coach’s authority was clear from the start of practice.
Learner examples
- The teacher spoke with authority.
- He acted with authority when giving instructions.
- She writes with authority about history.
Grammar
Dictionary form
authority
IPA
GB/əθˈɔɹɪti/
US/əθˈɔɹɪti/
Syllables & stress
au - thor - ity (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (thor)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: authority
- Plural: authorities, authority
Word family
Forms
authorities
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unauthorized
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
authoritarianism
noun C1
Expressions
figure of authority
1/fˈɪɡjɚ əv əθˈɔɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Person with official control
A person who has power over others because of their job or position.
Examples
- As a teacher, she is a figure of authority to her students.
- Children often look up to figures of authority like police officers.
in authority
1/ˈɪn əθˈɔɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Holding official power
Having the power to make decisions and control other people because of your position.
Examples
- The people in authority decided to close the park.
- It's important to respect those in authority.
the authorities
1/ðə əθˈɔɹɪtiz/
fixed phrase
Law-enforcing officials or bodies
People or organizations that have power to make people follow laws and rules.
Examples
- The authorities are investigating the accident.
- She reported the theft to the authorities immediately.
appeal to authority
1/əpˈil tə əθˈɔɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Use authority as argument support
To say something is true because an important person says it is true.
Examples
- He tried to win the debate by appealing to authority instead of giving evidence.
- Appealing to authority is not always a strong argument.
appeal to authority
2/əpˈil tə əθˈɔɹɪti/
fixed phrase
Use expert opinion as evidence
To support your opinion by saying that an expert agrees with you.
Examples
- He made an appeal to authority by quoting a famous scientist.
- Appealing to authority can be persuasive but not always correct.