How to pronounce authority
Say it like uh-THOR-uh-tee. Authority has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THOR).
- uh
- THOR
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Authority pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- THORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of authority
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: aw-THOR-ih-tee.
What does authority mean?
- Power or right to make or enforce rules, give orders, or impose obligation; or a position having such power or right.“I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them.”
- Persons, regarded collectively, who occupy official positions of power; police or law enforcement.“Authorities say the suspect fled on foot.”
- A reliable, definitive source of information on a subject.“the world's foremost authority on orangutans”
Where does authority come from?
From Middle English auctorite, autorite (“authority, book or quotation that settles an argument”), from Old French auctorité, from Latin stem of auctōritās (“invention, advice, opinion, influence, command”), from auctor (“master, leader, author”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with authority
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of authority.
Questions about saying authority
How do you pronounce authority?
Say uh-THOR-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /əˈθɔrəti/. In British English it is /ɔːˈθɒrɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in authority?
Authority has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THOR). Broken into parts: uh · THOR · uh · tee.
Is authority pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ɔːˈθɒrɪti/ (aw-THOR-ih-tee).