Skip to main content
authoritative

authoritative

39 5.8
Comes from a trusted source and shows confident control
  • adjective
  • /əˈθɔrɪtətɪv/
translation icon : autoritativo
  • The report issued by the experts was considered the most authoritative source on climate change issues.
  • authoritative parenting
  • authoritative and indulgent
  • an authoritative source

Don't try to act more authoritative.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Yes, in fact, Milliken was the author of the most authoritative book on the subject.

  • Whichever way you want to go, there will be someone authoritative to tell you about it.

  • Internal documents noted that "the conference will provide authoritative statements in support of smoking."

    Academic text (2011)
  • So people had the habit of expecting what came from the radio to be authoritative, to be actual instructions from the government.

  • You then look at how authoritative that outlet's track record is and that person's reputation.

  • There is no authoritative interpretation of the scriptures in this world.

  • They listen eagerly for any voice which sounds authoritative.

  • One of the most authoritative voices in this chorus is Ken Bergens, who asked the question:

  • "Admonishing students in an authoritative manner, they sought to imbue them with democratic values."

    Academic text (1990)
  • So Galen became the authoritative interpreter of Hippocrates.

Synonyms

credible
vsauthoritative
267 4.2

Something that seems true and that people can trust

is rooted in respected status and confident command rather than mere believability
definitive
vsauthoritative
  • Formal
29 6.1

A book or study that is the most complete and respected on a subject

is trusted and commanding but not necessarily the single final work

Antonyms

176 3.9

Probably not true or trustworthy

71 4.1

Not able to be trusted to work or be right

How Authoritative

definitive
  • Formal
29 6.1
reliable
358 2.7
authoritative
39 5.8
unreliable
71 4.1
questionable
176 3.9

Surface Forms

authoritative positive

Morphology

authoritative = authority (transparent) = authority + ive

A straightforward adjectival formation from 'authority' meaning 'having or showing authority', which learners can readily infer.

Etymology

The word authoritative comes from the same root as author and authority, from an old Latin word auctor meaning 'originator' or 'maker'. So an authoritative person or book comes from a trusted, original source and speaks with confidence.