# authoritative

/əˈθɔɹəˌteɪtɪv/ (US) · /ɔːθˈɒɹɪtətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/authoritative
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. commanding and confident

adjective · CEFR B2

having a confident and powerful way of behaving that makes people respect and obey you.

For teachers: possessing a commanding or impressive style that suggests power or the right to be obeyed.

- The teacher spoke in an authoritative voice that immediately silenced the noisy classroom.
- Her authoritative manner during the crisis ensured that the staff followed safety protocols without hesitation or confusion.

Usage: Usually describes a person's voice, tone, or manner.

### 2. reliable and expert

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

containing the best and most reliable information on a subject.

For teachers: recognised as being accurate, definitive, and based on excellent knowledge or research.

- This book is considered the most authoritative guide to local birds.
- The professor published an authoritative study on the economic shifts of the nineteenth century, which remains a standard text in the field.

Usage: Often used to describe books, reports, sources, or studies.

Teaching tip: In academic contexts, this implies the source is the 'final word' on a topic.

### 3. official

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

coming from a person or group that has the official power to make decisions.

For teachers: originating from or sanctioned by a recognised authority or governing body.

- We are still waiting for an authoritative statement from the government about the new law.
- The council issued an authoritative directive requiring all residents to register their vehicles by the end of the month.

## Examples

- The doctor gave an authoritative answer to our question.
- She wrote the report in an authoritative tone that convinced the board to approve the budget.
- The historian's authoritative account of the war remains the standard reference for scholars, despite newer interpretations emerging in recent decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.