When someone has authority, they have the official right to control others or make important decisions. This power usually comes from a job, role, or position. For example, a police officer has authority to enforce the law.
The manager has authority over all staff members.
She used her authority to stop the fight.
An authority can be an organization like a government department or a city council that manages public services and makes rules. These bodies have the legal right to control certain things. Examples include the tax authority or the health authority.
The local authority closed the old school building.
You must report this to the health authority.
When someone has authority on a topic, it means they know a great deal about it and people trust what they say. This type of authority is earned through study or experience, not given by a job title. For example, a doctor speaks with authority about health.
She speaks with great authority about climate change.
His authority on ancient history is well known.
In this meaning, an authority refers to a specific person who is considered the top expert in a subject area. People often quote this person or use their work as proof. For example, a famous scientist can be called an authority in their field.
He is a leading authority on brain surgery.
Ask Dr. Smith — she is an authority on this topic.
Authority can mean a formal or official approval that allows someone to do something they would not normally be allowed to do. This is similar to getting official permission or authorization. Without this authority, the action may be illegal or against the rules.
Do you have authority to enter this building?
The doctor gave authority to release the patient.
In academic or legal writing, an authority is a trusted source such as a classic book, legal case, or official document that supports an argument. Writers cite these authorities to add weight to their points. This meaning is common in law, history, and research.
The Oxford Dictionary is a great authority on English words.
This old text is the main authority for the law.
This meaning describes a personal quality — a strong, confident, and convincing way of speaking or acting that makes people naturally follow or listen. It is not about having an official role but about how a person presents themselves. Great leaders and speakers often have this quality.
She spoke with authority and everyone listened carefully.
His voice had an authority that calmed the crowd.
In technology, authority refers to the verified permission a user or system has to access specific data, files, or features. This is controlled by roles and settings in the system. For example, an administrator has higher authority than a regular user in a computer network.
The system checks your authority before opening files.
Admin authority is needed to install new software.
