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Webster 1913 Edition


Authoritative

Au-thor′i-ta-tive

,
Adj.
1.
Having, or proceeding from, due authority; entitled to obedience, credit, or acceptance; determinate; commanding.
The sacred functions of
authoritative
teaching.
Barrow.
2.
Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory;
as, an
authoritative
tone
.
The mock
authoritative
manner of the one, and the insipid mirth of the other.
Swift.
Au-thor′i-ta-tive-ly
,
adv.
Au-thor′i-ta-tive-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition


Authoritative

AUTHOR'ITATIVE

,
Adj.
1.
Having due authority.
2.
Having an air of authority; positive; peremptory.

Definition 2024


authoritative

authoritative

English

Adjective

authoritative (comparative more authoritative, superlative most authoritative)

  1. Arising or originating from a figure of authority
    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
    This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.
  3. Having a commanding style.
    He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations