Language Research

authority · noun

/əˈθɔːr.ət̬.i/Full view

Word family

Nouns: authority, authorization

Adjectives: authoritarian, authoritative, unauthorized

Verbs: authorize

Adverbs: authoritatively

authority (POWER)

B2 U the power to make decisions or to control other people

Dictionary examples:

The United Nations has used its authority to restore peace in the area.

We need to get the support of someone in authority.

They have the authority to examine the company's records.

The problem is that teachers feel they no longer have authority over their pupils.

Learner example:

Their parents have lost almost all their authority. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

authority (OFFICIAL)

C1 C someone with official power to control a particular type of activity

Dictionary example:

local/health/school autorities

Learner example:

Air pollution and traffic congestions are major issues that have been raised by local authorities very recently. (International English Language Testing System; C1; French)

an authority on sth

C2 someone who has a lot of knowledge about a particular subject

Dictionary example:

She is an authority on seventeenth-century English literature.

Learner example:

I read the book more than six times and I became an authority on [the] Roman Empire. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)