authority
Power to give orders
The right or power to tell people what to do.
[someone] has authority over [someone/something]
- 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.
- 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.
Expert or influential figure
A person or group that knows a lot about a subject and is respected for it.
[someone] is an authority on [topic]
- 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.
- 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.
Official governing body
An official group that controls and manages something.
local/national [authority]
- 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.
- 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.
Commanding quality or presence
A way of speaking or acting that makes people respect and follow you.
- 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.
- The teacher spoke with authority.
- He acted with authority when giving instructions.
- She writes with authority about history.
- Base: authority
- Plural: authorities, authority
figure of authority
1Person with official control
A person who has power over others because of their job or position.
- 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
1Holding official power
Having the power to make decisions and control other people because of your position.
- The people in authority decided to close the park.
- It's important to respect those in authority.
the authorities
1Law-enforcing officials or bodies
People or organizations that have power to make people follow laws and rules.
- The authorities are investigating the accident.
- She reported the theft to the authorities immediately.
appeal to authority
1Use authority as argument support
To say something is true because an important person says it is true.
- 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
2Use expert opinion as evidence
To support your opinion by saying that an expert agrees with you.
- He made an appeal to authority by quoting a famous scientist.
- Appealing to authority can be persuasive but not always correct.