What is authority? Pronunciation and usage in English

authority means . Learn how to pronounce and use authority through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of authority

authoritynoun

/ɔːˈθɒrɪti/
Definition & pronunciation of authority

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "authority." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: aw-thor-i-ty

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • aw: This is like the "aw" in "law" or "saw." It's a wide, open vowel sound.
  • thor: This is the trickiest part. It’s pronounced like “thur.” Think of the "th" sound as in "thin," and then add an “ur” sound. It’s not like "ther."
  • i: This is a short "i" sound, as in "bit."
  • ty: This is pronounced just like “tee,” but with a “y” at the end.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: aw-thur-i-ty

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ther." This is the most common mistake. It's "thur."
  • Avoid adding an extra "r" sound. Just one "r" after the "thor" syllable.
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("aw").

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some examples of the word used in sentences?

Usage and examples with the word authority in English

Let's break down how to use the word "authority" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so it's important to understand the context.

1. As a Noun (The Core Meaning: Power & Right to Command)

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. "Authority" refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce rules. It’s about being in a position of power and having people obey you.

  • Examples:

    • "The authority of the police was used to disperse the crowd." (Referring to the power of the police.)
    • "She respected his authority as a senior partner." (Recognizing his position of leadership and influence.)
    • "The government has the authority to declare a state of emergency." (Referring to the legal right to do so.)
    • "He deferred to the doctor's authority regarding his health." (Trusting the doctor's expertise.)

2. As a Noun (A Recognized Expert or Source of Information)

  • Definition: Here, "authority" refers to someone or something considered to be a reliable and respected source of information or knowledge in a particular field.

  • Examples:

    • "He's a leading authority on ancient Roman history." (He's a well-known expert.)
    • "The textbook cited several authorities on the subject." (Referencing respected researchers and scholars.)
    • "Scientists rely on peer-reviewed journals as a source of authority." (A trusted source of research findings).

3. As a Verb (To Recognize or Respect)

  • Definition: To "authorize" means to give official permission or approval for something to happen. To "defer to" someone's authority means to accept their judgment or decision.

  • Examples:

    • "The manager authorized the purchase." (Gave permission.)
    • "The committee authorized the proposal." (Officially approved it.)
    • "I will defer to your judgment on this matter." (I'll trust your opinion.)
    • "He authorized her to speak on his behalf." (Gave her permission to represent him.)

4. Related Concepts & Phrases

  • Legal Authority: The power granted by law to a government agency, judge, or official.
  • Moral Authority: The power to influence people’s behavior based on their good character or ethical principles.
  • Established Authority: A long-standing position of power and respect.
  • To challenge authority: To question or resist the power of an authority figure.
  • To wield authority: To use one's power effectively.

Tips for Using "Authority" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay close attention to the sentence and surrounding text to understand which meaning of "authority" is intended.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “power,” “influence,” “expertise,” “permission,” or “authority” to add nuance.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Authority” is generally a more formal word.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "authority"? (e.g., write an essay, have a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me a sentence you're struggling with where you want to use "authority"?

Synonyms for the word authority

Idioms of the word authority

have something on good authority
to be able to believe something because you trust the person who gave you the information
  • I have it on good authority that he is going to be promoted.

Practice with vocabulary authority

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. The manager has the _________ to make decisions on behalf of the company.
  2. She questioned the _________ of the new policy, arguing it lacked clarity.
  3. The professor’s expertise in the field gave her a sense of _________ among her peers.
  4. Without proper evidence, his claims had no real _________ and were dismissed.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Answer

  1. Which word best describes the power to make decisions or enforce rules?
    a) Authority
    b) Influence
    c) Responsibility
    d) Permission

  2. He was granted _________ to access confidential files.
    a) Authority
    b) Approval
    c) Control
    d) Expertise

  3. The book challenged the traditional _________ on the topic, offering new perspectives.
    a) Authority
    b) Dominance
    c) Influence
    d) Leadership

  4. The committee’s _________ was questioned after the scandal.
    a) Credibility
    b) Authority
    c) Reliability
    d) Power

  5. She demonstrated remarkable _________ in handling the crisis, earning everyone’s respect.
    a) Leadership
    b) Authority
    c) Confidence
    d) Control

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

  1. The board has the power to approve the budget.
  2. His opinion is highly respected in the scientific community.
  3. The government’s control over the situation was evident.

Answer
Exercise 1:

  1. Authority
  2. Authority
  3. Influence
  4. Credibility

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Authority
  2. a) Authority
  3. a) Authority
  4. a) Credibility
  5. a) Leadership

Exercise 3:

  1. The board has the authority to approve the budget.
  2. His authority is highly respected in the scientific community.
  3. The government’s authority over the situation was evident.

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