B1nounpoliticssociety
US/əˈθɔːr.ə.ti/
UK/ɔːˈθɒr.ə.ti/
the power to give orders or make decisions; also an official group with this power
In context
Only the manager has the authority to approve a refund.
The local authorities closed the beach after the storm warning.
She is a leading authority on Vietnamese history.
Words that go with authority
adjective + noun
- local authoritiesThe local authorities plan to build a new bridge next year.
verb + noun
- have the authorityTeachers have the authority to send students out of class.
noun + preposition
- authority onHe is an authority on traditional medicine.
- in authorityPeople in authority should set a good example.
- abuse of authorityThe officer was fired for abuse of authority.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The authority closed the road.Correct: The authorities closed the road.