authority
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,838 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 9,867 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.005% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- the power or right to give orders or make decisions also: authorization, authorisation, potency, dominance, say-so he has the authority to issue warrantsdeputies are given authorization to make arrests
- (usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others the authorities have issued a curfew
- an expert whose views are taken as definitive he is an authority on corporate law
- freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities also: assurance, self-assurance, confidence, self-confidence, sureness his assurance in his superiority did not make him popularafter that failure he lost his confidence
- an administrative unit of government also: agency, federal agency, government agency, bureau, office the Central Intelligence Agencythe Census Bureau
- official permission or approval also: authorization, authorisation, sanction authority for the program was renewed several times
authority in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Little by little, Hubertine gained great authority over her.
The Dream · Émile Zola · Chapter 1
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The whip-bearers were forced to use all their authority to keep this gaping crowd in order.
An Egyptian Princess — Volume 07 · Georg Ebers · Chapter 1
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All had been chosen as a special favor, upon the recommendation of one or other of those in authority.
Under Drake's Flag · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1
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And now he saw his household disturbed, the hours of his meals altered, his own importance reduced, his authority even ignored.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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It will appear by the following advertisement that a market was then first appointed by authority to be kept in Boston.
The Olden Time Series, Vol. 6 · Henry M. (Henry Mason) Brooks · Chapter 1