/ɔːˈθɒr.ə.ti/
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Meaning
The power to tell other people what to do, or a group of people who hold that power.
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Word origin
From Latin auctoritas, meaning power or influence, which came into English through Old French.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- auctoritas
- English cognates
- author, authorise
Grammar
Examples
classroom.
Here "authority" is the power to tell others what to do.
.
An "authority" can also be the group of people who run a place.
.
Here "authority" is the way people sound when others listen to them.
Where this fits
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authority: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the English word "authority" (The power to tell other people what to do, or a group of people who hold that power.): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 17, lesson 8: authority, staff, professional and 7 more words.