In sociology, authority is the legitimate or socially approved power which one person or a group possesses and practices over another.
power, authority, jurisdiction, control, command, sway, dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, authority, or influence.
AUTHORITY definition: the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine. See examples of authority used in a sentence.
For the presence of the h, compare the etymology of author. authority (countable and uncountable, plural authorities) I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them. Vigilantes may have the power to nab criminals, but they lack the authority.
If you have the authority to do something, you have the right or power to do it. You are the big cheese. Or, if you know more about a topic than most, you are an authority on that topic. Giving someone authority grants them the power to make important decisions or have accepted opinions.
In the fields of sociology and political science, authority is the legitimate power of a person or group over other people.
authority: The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.
AUTHORITY definition: 1. the moral or legal right or ability to control: 2. a group of people with official…. Learn more.
- the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues; the right to control, command, or determine. 2. a power or right delegated or given; authorization.
Definition of authority. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.