Athority vs. Authority — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 4, 2024
"Athority" is an incorrect spelling; the correct version is "authority," meaning the power or right to give orders or decisions.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Athority or Authority
How to spell Authority?
Athority
Incorrect Spelling
Authority
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember the phrase: “An author has authority.”
"Authority" contains "author," implying the creator or originator.
The correct spelling has two 't's and one 'h'.
Always ensure there's "au-" at the beginning.
Think of "author" with an "ity" ending, giving you "authority."
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How Do You Spell Authority Correctly?
Incorrect: The athority figure was not present at the meeting.
Correct: The authority figure was not present at the meeting.
Incorrect: The principal's athority was questioned by the students.
Correct: The principal's authority was unquestioned by the students.
Incorrect: His athority on ancient history is impressive.
Correct: His authority on ancient history is impressive.
Incorrect: She showed great athority in managing the team.
Correct: She showed great authority in managing the team.
Authority Definitions
The power or right to give orders, make decisions.
The police have the authority to arrest criminals.
An accepted source of expert information or advice.
This book is an authority on ancient civilizations.
A person or organization with political or administrative power.
Local authorities manage the city's infrastructure.
The confidence resulting from personal expertise.
She spoke with authority on the topic.
Official permission or approval.
They were granted authority to proceed.
The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.
One that is invested with this power, especially a government or body of government officials
Land titles issued by the civil authority.
Power assigned to another; authorization
Deputies were given authority to make arrests.
A public agency or corporation with administrative powers in a specified field
A city transit authority.
An accepted source of expert information or advice
A noted authority on birds.
A reference book often cited as an authority.
A quotation or citation from such a source
Biblical authorities for a moral argument.
Justification; grounds
On what authority do you make such a claim?.
A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.
Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience
Political observers who acquire authority with age.
Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance
Played the sonata with authority.
(uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules or give orders; or a position having such power or right.
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.
She lost all respect and authority after turning up drunk at the meeting.
Respect my authority!
(plural) Persons, regarded collectively, who occupy official positions of power; police or law enforcement.
Authorities say the suspect fled on foot.
(countable) A reliable, definitive source of information on a subject.
The world's foremost authority on orangutans
My cheap dictionary is not the authority on word derivations.
(uncountable) Status as a trustworthy source of information, reputation for mastery or expertise; or claim to such status or reputation.
Some thinkers regard appealing to authority as a logical fallacy; others regard it as a legitimate form of argument.
Official permission; authorisation to act in some capacity on behalf of a ruling entity.
(countable) A government-owned agency that runs a revenue-generating activity for public benefit.
New York Port Authority
Chicago Transit Authority
Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court.
Thus can the demigod, Authority,Make us pay down for our offense.
By what authority doest thou these things ?
Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command; as, the local authorities of the States; the military authorities.
The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority, and the like; claim to be believed or obeyed; as, an historian of no authority; a magistrate of great authority.
That which, or one who, is claimed or appealed to in support of opinions, actions, measures, etc.
Wilt thou be glass wherein it shall discernAuthority for sin, warrant for blame.
The power or right to give orders or make decisions;
He has the authority to issue warrants
Deputies are given authorization to make arrests
(usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others;
The authorities have issued a curfew
An expert whose views are taken as definitive;
He is an authority on corporate law
Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities;
His assurance in his superiority did not make him popular
After that failure he lost his confidence
She spoke with authority
An administrative unit of government;
The Central Intelligence Agency
The Census Bureau
Office of Management and Budget
Tennessee Valley Authority
Official permission or approval;
Authority for the program was renewed several times
An authoritative written work;
This book is the final authority on the life of Milton
Authority Meaning in a Sentence
The teacher's authority in the classroom is undeniable.
Her authority on the subject made her the perfect speaker for the conference.
The police officer used his authority to maintain peace.
He has the authority to make big decisions for the company.
The local government authority provided funds for the new park.
The museum is an authority on ancient artifacts.
The committee has the authority to approve the new policy.
The book was written by an authority on medieval history.
The librarian is an authority on rare books.
The director has the final authority over script changes.
The government agency has the authority to regulate industries.
The captain's authority on the ship is absolute.
Parents have the authority to set rules in their house.
With great authority comes great responsibility.
The security guard has the authority to deny entry.
She gained authority in the field through years of research.
The scientist is regarded as an authority on climate change.
Teachers have authority over their students during school hours.
The judge has the authority to interpret the law.
The mayor used his authority to declare a city-wide holiday.
The board of directors holds authority over the company's strategic direction.
The principal's authority is recognized by both teachers and students.
Authority Idioms & Phrases
Authority figure
A person with recognized or official power, often respected or obeyed.
In most schools, the principal is seen as the main authority figure.
To have the authority to do something
Having the official power to perform an action.
The council has the authority to close the road for repairs.
In authority
Being in a position of power or control.
The manager in authority made sure the project was on track.
To take authority over
To assume control or power in a situation.
The team leader took authority over the project.
Under the authority of
Being under the control or power of someone.
The soldiers acted under the authority of their commander.
Speak with authority
To talk about something showing knowledge and confidence.
She spoke with authority about the company's future plans.
Common Curiosities
What is the root word of authority?
The root is "author."
What is the verb form of authority?
"Authorize" is the verb form related to "authority."
Which vowel is used before authority?
The vowel "i" comes before the ending "ty" in "authority."
Why is it called authority?
The term originates from Latin "auctoritas," related to "auctor" meaning originator or promoter.
Which conjunction is used with authority?
Conjunctions are not specifically tied to "authority."
What is the pronunciation of authority?
/əˈθɔːrɪti/
Which preposition is used with authority?
"By" or "under" as in "by authority of" or "under the authority."
Is authority an abstract noun?
Yes.
Which article is used with authority?
Both "an" and "the" can be used, depending on context.
What is the singular form of authority?
"Authority" itself is singular.
Is authority a noun or adjective?
Noun.
Is authority a vowel or consonant?
"Authority" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is authority a countable noun?
Yes, when referring to people or entities with power (e.g., local authorities).
Is the word authority imperative?
No.
What is another term for authority?
Power.
What is the opposite of authority?
Powerlessness.
What is the plural form of authority?
"Authorities."
What part of speech is authority?
Noun.
Which determiner is used with authority?
Determiners like "the," "some," or "any" can be used.
What is the first form of authority?
The related verb is "authorize."
What is the second form of authority?
The related verb's second form is "authorized."
Is authority a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but it can be positive or negative depending on the context.
Is authority a collective noun?
No.
How many syllables are in authority?
Four.
How do we divide authority into syllables?
au-thor-i-ty.
What is a stressed syllable in authority?
"thor."
How is authority used in a sentence?
"The principal has the authority to set school policies."
Is authority an adverb?
No.
Is the authority term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically.
What is the third form of authority?
The related verb's third form is "authorized."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
