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.
实用例句
1. Fifteen-year-old Danny is on the run from a local authority home.
15岁的丹尼从地方当局的收容所逃跑了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The authority must make suitable accommodation available to the family.
当局必须给这个家庭提供适当的食宿条件。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The Advertising Standards Authority accused estate agents of using blatant untruths.
广告标准管理局控告房地产代理商使用无耻的谎言。
来自柯林斯例句
4. He's got the experience and the authority to carry it off.
他的经验和威望足以做成这件事。
来自柯林斯例句
5. He's universally recognized as an authority on Russian affairs.
