adjective

authoritative

authoritative, reliable, official, commanding

This is the most authoritative book on the subject.

This is the most authoritative book on the subject.

She has an authoritative manner that people respect.

She has an authoritative manner that people respect.

((authoritative)) + noun describing a source or a manner An authoritative book.

Synonyms: reliable, dependable (for information); commanding, assertive (for manner); Antonyms: unreliable, timid

From 'authority' + '-ive' (having the quality of). It means having the quality of authority, so it is reliable or commanding.

An 'authoritative' source has 'authority' and can be trusted. Note the difference from 'authoritarian', which is negative and about control.

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