English Dictionary

Definition of “authoritative

authoritative (ɔːˈθɒrɪtətɪvPronunciation for authoritative

Definitions

adjective

  1. recognized or accepted as being true or reliable  ⇒ an authoritative article on drugs 
  2. exercising or asserting authority; commanding  ⇒ an authoritative manner 
  3. possessing or supported by authority; official  ⇒ an authoritative communiqué 

Alternative Forms

auˈthoritatively adverb auˈthoritativeness noun

Usage examples

  • She paused as if gathering her thoughts and spoke directly and in an authoritative tone.
    Lawson, Jonell, Roses are for the Rich (1985)
  • Cosmological Physics is a thorough, authoritative tome that also grew out of a set of lectures.
    New Scientist (1999)
  • By early on Tuesday, there was no information from any authoritative source on Kim's fate.
    New Zealand Herald (2004)
  • We don't always press hard enough for the truth or seek it from a more authoritative source.
    Independent (1998)
  • My challenge now was to enable Meg's owners to behave in the same authoritative manner.
    Jan Fennell, Foreword by Monty Roberts, THE DOG LISTENER: Learning the Language of your Best Friend (2002)

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