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| au·thor·i·ty [ ə tháwrətee ] (plural au·thor·i·ties) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. right to command: the right or power to enforce rules or give orders
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2. holder of power: somebody or something with official power
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3. power given to somebody: power to act on behalf of somebody else, or official permission to do something
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4. source of reliable information: a source of reliable information on a subject
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5. administrative body: an official body that is set up by a government to administer an area of activity
(
often used in the plural
)
  the local port authority
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6. justification: a statement that makes somebody believe something is true
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7. quality that is respected: the ability to gain the respect of other people and to influence or control what they do
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8. obvious knowledge and experience: knowledge, skill, or experience worthy of respect
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9. law source of precedent or principle: a law or legal decision that is cited as establishing a precedent or a principle
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10. legitimate power: a form of rule that is seen as legitimate
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| [13th century. Via French< Latin auctoritas< auctor (see author)] |
