Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sanctioned by or derived from established authority; official: Having the weight or sanction of authority; being a definitive or authorized source.
   • Having or showing confidence and expertise that commands respect or obedience: Possessing or displaying an air of command, confidence, and knowledge that leads others to accept one's statements or instructions.

Usage

• As an adjective describing a source: Used to describe information, texts, or people that are considered definitive, accurate, and trustworthy because they come from a recognized expert or official body.
• As an adjective describing a manner: Used to describe a person's tone, style, or behavior that is confident, commanding, and expects compliance.

Examples

• Describing a source:
  • The professor cited an authoritative study on climate change.
  • For legal advice, you should consult an authoritative text.
• Describing a manner:
  • The manager's authoritative tone left no room for debate.
  • She gave an authoritative answer that settled the argument.

Advanced Usage

• "Authoritative parenting": A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness and high demands, where parents set clear rules and expectations but are also nurturing and open to communication.
  • Research shows that authoritative parenting is often linked to positive outcomes for children.
• "Authoritative DNS server": In computing, a name server that gives definitive answers for a particular domain, as opposed to cached answers from another server.
  • The IT department configured the authoritative server for the company domain.

Variants and Related Words

• Authoritatively (adverb): In a manner that commands authority.
  • He spoke authoritatively on the subject.
• Authoritativeness (noun): The quality of being authoritative.
  • The authoritativeness of the report was unquestioned.
• Authority (noun): The power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience; a person or organization having this power.
  • The city authority issued a new regulation.

Synonyms

• Definitive: Conclusive, most reliable.
• Official: Sanctioned by an authority.
• Commanding: Having an imposing or impressive quality.
• Magisterial: Having or showing great authority.

Antonyms

• Unofficial: Not authorized or confirmed.
• Tentative: Not certain or fixed; provisional.
• Weak: Lacking power or authority.
• Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To speak with an authoritative voice: To express an opinion or give an order in a manner that expects to be obeyed or accepted as truth.
  • On matters of safety, the chief engineer speaks with an authoritative voice.

Adjective

1. sanctioned by established authority
   • an authoritative communique
   • the authorized biography
2. of recognized authority or excellence
   • the definitive work on Greece
   • classical methods of navigation
3. having authority or ascendancy or influence
   • an important official
   • the captain's authoritative manner