authority

authority is part of the Basic English 850.

Authority is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ɔːˈθɒrəti/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /əˈθɑrəti/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular authority

Plural authorities

1. (uncountable) To have authority means to have the power to make a decision.

   This judge has the authority to throw you in jail.

2. (countable) If you are an authority on something, many people think you know very, very much about it.

   The Pope is the highest authority in the Catholic church.

Synonyms

• group
• power
• right
• experience
• evidence
• knowledge
• board
• ability
• weight
• source
• agency

Related words

• authoritative
• authoritatively
• authoritativeness

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