Authority Meaning
Authority Definition & Usage
The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Examples
- "The manager has the authority to approve all budget expenditures."
- "The teacher exerted her authority over the class by enforcing strict rules."
- "He questioned the authority of the government to implement such drastic measures."
- "She had no authority to change the decision, as it was already finalized by the board."
- "In many organizations, managers hold considerable authority over their employees."
A person or organization having power or control in a particular area.
Examples
- "He is an authority on ancient Greek philosophy."
- "The World Health Organization is the global authority on public health."
- "She is considered an authority in the field of artificial intelligence."
- "The police are the authority on maintaining law and order."
- "As an authority on historical artifacts, his opinion is highly respected."
A body or institution exercising power and control, typically through laws or regulations.
Examples
- "The local authorities have imposed a curfew to contain the spread of the virus."
- "The national authority in charge of education oversees all school regulations."
- "She received a summons from the authorities after her arrest."
- "The tax authorities sent a notice regarding overdue payments."
- "The government has taken the authority to regulate the internet in response to security concerns."
A reliable source or reference that provides credible information.
Examples
- "The Encyclopedia Britannica is often used as an authority on many topics."
- "His book on modern art is considered an authority in the field."
- "She cited the study as an authority to back her argument."
- "The historical documents were cited as authorities in the legal case."
- "As a child, I always turned to my father as the authority on all matters."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'authority' has evolved over time, from the power held by monarchs and religious leaders in ancient societies to the more structured, institutionalized forms of authority seen today in modern governments and organizations. Throughout history, authority has often been associated with power, control, and legitimacy, but also with responsibility and the ability to govern or influence others.
The Authority of the River
Story
The Authority of the River
In a small village nestled beside a great river, the people always knew the river as a force of authority. The elders, who had lived by the river their whole lives, often spoke of how it controlled the land, shaping the boundaries of the village year after year. One day, a young woman named Ella, curious and eager to prove herself, challenged the river’s power, believing she could control it just as the village elders did. She gathered her tools and set out to divert the river’s course for the good of the village, claiming that the river had too much influence over their daily lives. She believed that by using modern methods, she could tame the force that had ruled the land for centuries. But as she stood on the banks of the river, the authorities—both natural and human—made themselves clear. The village elders, as the true authorities in matters of the land, arrived to stop her. Their knowledge and experience proved invaluable as they guided her to understand that while the river was indeed powerful, it could not be controlled by mere human hands. Over time, Ella came to recognize the authority of the elders in managing the river, learning that true power often comes not from trying to overcome nature, but from understanding and respecting its inherent influence. In the end, Ella not only gained a deeper respect for the authority of the elders but also for the natural world that governed their lives. Her journey, however, did not go unnoticed, and in time, she became an authority on sustainable living by the river, revered for her newfound wisdom. The river, though still mighty, was no longer something to conquer, but something to live with, in harmony. The villagers came to appreciate Ella as a different kind of authority—one based on knowledge, understanding, and respect, rather than force or control.
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