early 13c., autorite "book or quotation that settles an argument," from Old French auctorité "authority, prestige, right, permission, dignity, gravity; the Scriptures" (12c.; Modern French autorité), from Latin auctoritatem (nominative auctoritas) "invention, advice, opinion, influence, command," from auctor "master, leader, author" (see author (n.)).
Usually spelled with a -c- in English till 16c., when it was dropped in imitation of the French. Meaning "power to enforce obedience" is from late 14c.; meaning "people in authority" is from 1610s. Authorities "those in charge, those with police powers" is recorded from mid-19c.
雙語例句
1. Fifteen-year-old Danny is on the run from a local authority home.
15歲的丹尼從地方當局的收容所逃跑了。
來自柯林斯例句
2. The authority must make suitable accommodation available to the family.
當局必須給這個家庭提供適當的食宿條件。
來自柯林斯例句
3. The Advertising Standards Authority accused estate agents of using blatant untruths.
廣告標準管理局控告房地產代理商使用無恥的謊言。
來自柯林斯例句
4. He's got the experience and the authority to carry it off.
他的經驗和威望足以做成這件事。
來自柯林斯例句
5. He's universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.