authority

/ɔ:'θɔriti/

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The word "authority" is a noun that refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It can also mean a person or organization that has the power to control or manage something.

Simple Explanation

1. Basic Meaning: Authority means having power or control over something or someone. It can be a person, a group, or an organization that people listen to or follow because they have the official power.
2. Example: A teacher has authority in the classroom. Students should follow the teacher's instructions.

Usage Instructions

• Use "authority" when talking about someone who has power or control, like a manager, a police officer, or a government.
• It can also refer to a written work that is accepted as a reliable source of information.

Example Sentences

1. Power or Control: The manager has the authority to hire new employees.
2. Official Permission: The school received authority from the district to hold the event.
3. Expert Knowledge: She is an authority on ancient history.

Advanced Usage

• "Authority" can be used in more complex sentences when discussing governmental or organizational powers. For example: "The environmental authority has implemented new regulations to protect wildlife."

Word Variants

• Authoritative (adjective): Having the power or right to give orders. Example: She gave an authoritative lecture on the topic.
• Authorize (verb): To give permission or power to someone. Example: The manager will authorize the budget for the project.

Different Meanings

• Expert Opinion: Someone recognized as an expert in a particular field. Example: The book was written by an authority on climate change.
• Official Permission: The permission granted by someone in power. Example: You need to get authority from the principal to organize the event.

Synonyms

• Power
• Control
• Command
• Permission
• Jurisdiction
• Expert

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "To have the last word": To have the final authority or decision in a discussion or argument.
• "To give someone the green light": To give permission or authority to proceed with something.

Summary

In summary, "authority" is a powerful word that can refer to control, permission, expertise, and the ability to influence others.

Academic

Noun

1. an authoritative written work
   • this book is the final authority on the life of Milton
2. official permission or approval
   • authority for the program was renewed several times
3. an administrative unit of government
   • the Central Intelligence Agency
   • the Census Bureau
   • Office of Management and Budget
   • Tennessee Valley Authority
4. freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
   • his assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
   • after that failure he lost his confidence
   • she spoke with authority
5. an expert whose views are taken as definitive
   • he is an authority on corporate law
6. (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others
   • the authorities have issued a curfew
7. the power or right to give orders or make decisions
   • he has the authority to issue warrants
   • deputies are given authorization to make arrests
   • a place of potency in the state

Synonyms

• authorization
• authorisation
• sanction
• agency
• federal agency
• government agency
• bureau
• office
• assurance
• self-assurance
• confidence
• self-confidence
• sureness
• potency
• dominance
• say-so