authoritative

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English

Etymology

From authorit(y) +‎ -ative.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ɔːˈθɒɹɪˌteɪtɪv/, /ɔːˈθɒɹɪtətɪv/
  • (file)
    • (proscribed) IPA(key): /ɔːˈθɒɹɪtɪv/
  • (US) IPA(key): /əˈθɔɹɪˌteɪtɪv/, /əˈθɑɹɪˌteɪtɪv/, /əˈθɔɹɪtətɪv/, /əˈθɑɹɪtətɪv/, /ɔ-/
    • (proscribed) IPA(key): /əˈθɔɹɪtɪv/, /əˈθɑɹɪtɪv/, /ɔ-/

Adjective

authoritative (comparative more authoritative, superlative most authoritative)

  1. Arising or originating from a figure of authority
    The authoritative rules in this school come not from the headmaster but from the aged matron.
  2. Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority
    This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.
  3. Having a commanding style.
    He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.
    • 2013 June 29, Leo Montada, “Coping with Life Stress”, in Herman Steensma, Riël Vermunt, editors, Social Justice in Human Relations Volume 2: Societal and Psychological Consequences of Justice and Injustice, Springer Science & Business Media, →ISBN, page 26:
      The fourth model is called the enlightment model: Actors are seen to be responsible for problems but unable or unwilling to provide solutions. They are believed to need discipline provided by authoritative guidance. The Alcoholic Anonymous groups are considered prototypical for this model.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

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