Word
authorized
Phoneticsau·tho·rized, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɔθɝˌaɪzd/
UK spelling · authorised
Definitions
01officially allowed
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adj. having official permission to do something or to be in a certain place.
adj. having official sanction or legal permission; often used to describe personnel, documents, or access rights.
“Only authorized staff are allowed to enter the laboratory after hours.”
“The security guard refused entry to the visitor, noting that only authorized personnel with valid identification were permitted beyond the lobby.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02gave permission
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. the past tense of 'authorize', meaning you gave official permission for something to happen.
v. the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'authorize', meaning to grant official power or permission.
“The manager authorized the payment for the new office equipment yesterday.”
“The board of directors authorized the merger after reviewing the final financial reports and legal recommendations.”
Usage
As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object, often an action or a financial transaction.
Real-World Examples
“An AI agent spent your money – can anyone prove you authorized it?” “Vaccine trials have been authorised in Canada and the UK, though results are likely several months away.” “The following month, the Sikorski-Mayski Agreement freed Polish prisoners detained in Soviet camps and authorized the formation of a Polish army in Soviet territory.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
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