Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

authority

Noun

/əˈθɔr.ɪ.ti/

Definition

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Examples

The teacher has the authority to assign grades.
In a democracy, the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.
She spoke with authority on the subject of environmental science.

Meaning

Authority refers to the recognized power that an individual or organization possesses to control or dictate actions, usually within a specific context or framework.