Basic Details
Word: Authority
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Synonyms: Control, power, influence, command
Antonyms: Subordination, powerlessness, impotence
Idioms and Phrases
- Take authority: To assume control over a situation or group. Example: "The teacher decided to take authority when the class got too noisy."
- By authority of: With permission or endorsement from someone in charge. Example: "The event was cancelled by authority of the principal."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The police officer has the authority to enforce the law and keep the peace.
Example 2: In a school, the headteacher has the ultimate authority over all staff and students.
Example 3: The managers authority allowed her to make important decisions for the company's future.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "authority" comes from the Latin word "auctoritas," which means "influence or power"? This highlights how the concept of authority has been valued throughout history in many cultures.
Famous Quote
"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." - Kofi Annan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "authority" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) The power to make decisions
c) A kind of food
d) A place to visit
Answer: b) The power to make decisions
2. Which of these is a synonym of "authority"?
a) Control
b) Hatred
c) Happiness
d) Surprise
Answer: a) Control
3. Which of these is an antonym of "authority"?
a) Influence
b) Powerlessness
c) Command
d) Leadership
Answer: b) Powerlessness
4. Which sentence uses "authority" correctly?
a) She plays authority with her friends all the time.
b) The authority gave her the final decision on the project.
c) Authority is my favourite game to play.
d) They went to the authority to swim.
Answer: b) The authority gave her the final decision on the project.
5. Which idiom means to take control over a situation?
a) By authority of
b) Take authority
c) Under one's thumb
d) Fall under authority
Answer: b) Take authority
