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authoritative

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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Etymology

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From authorit(y) +‎ -ative.

Pronunciation

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

Adjective

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authoritative (comparative more authoritative, superlative most authoritative)

  1. Arising or originating from a figure of authority
    Synonyms: formal, proper
    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
    Synonyms: definitive, of record, precise
    This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.
  3. Having a commanding style.
    Synonyms: grave, magisterial, masterful, oracular, sterling
    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[1], 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[sic] groups are considered prototypical for this model.

Derived terms

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Translations

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