Definition

Noun 1. People or organizations with official power and control: The word "authorities" refers to the individuals or groups who have the legal right and power to make decisions, give orders, and enforce rules within a specific area or domain. It often implies a position of governance or expertise. 2. The government or its agencies: Specifically, "authorities" is commonly used to mean the government of a political unit or its various administrative departments and officials.

Usage and Examples

• The local authorities have announced a new recycling program. (This refers to the town or city government and its departments.)
• You must report the incident to the proper authorities. (This refers to the specific officials or agencies, like the police, who have jurisdiction.)
• According to the health authorities, vaccination is strongly recommended. (This refers to the recognized experts and governing bodies in the field of public health.)

Advanced Usage

• "The authorities": This definite phrase is very common and typically refers to the government or police in a general sense.
  • The authorities are investigating the crime.
• Used to indicate a source of expert opinion or official information.
  • Historical authorities disagree on the exact date of the event.

Variants and Related Words

• Authority (noun, singular):
  • The power or right to give orders and make decisions. (e.g., She has the authority to sign the contract.)
  • A person or organization with specialized knowledge. (e.g., He is a leading authority on medieval history.)
• Authoritative (adjective): Having the confident quality of someone who is respected or in command; able to be trusted as accurate.
  • She gave an authoritative answer.

Synonyms

• Government
• Administration
• Officials
• Leadership
• The powers that be

Related Phrases

• In authority: Having a position of power.
  • You need to speak to someone in authority.
• An authority on: An expert in a particular subject.
  • She is an authority on constitutional law.

Noun

1. the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
   • the government reduced taxes
   • the matter was referred to higher authorities