Authority
/əˈθɔːr.ɪ.ti/noun
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Did you know?The word 'authority' comes from Latin roots that suggest the power to influence, often associated with the wisdom of elders or the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
auctoritas
“Influence, command; the power to make things grow or create.”
Old French
Old French
autorité
“A right or power derived from a source.”
Middle English
Middle English
authorite
“The quality of having power or influence.”
Modern English
English
authority
“The recognized power or right to give orders or enforce obedience.”