noun

authority

authority, power, permission, expert

She has the authority to make decisions.

She has the authority to make decisions.

He is an authority on ancient history.

He is an authority on ancient history.

((have authority)) ((to-inf)) to have the power or right to do sth. She has the authority to make decisions.

((an authority)) ((on sth.)) an expert on a subject He is an authority on ancient history.

Synonyms: power, control, jurisdiction, expert; Antonyms: weakness, impotence

From Latin 'auctoritas' meaning 'influence, command', from 'auctor' meaning 'author, master'.

An 'author' has control over their story. 'Authority' is the power or control someone has.

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