Athority vs. Authority: The Correct Spellings

The history of the word "authority" can be traced back to ancient Rome, where "auctoritas" played a crucial role in the structure of power and governance. Over time, as Latin evolved and influenced various European languages, the term found its way into English, signifying the concept of legitimate power.

A handy trick to remember the spelling of "authority" is to think of the word "author." An author has the "authority" to write and create. By associating the term with someone who creates or dictates, one can remember the extra "i" and the correct sequence of letters.

The correct spelling is "authority" and not "athority." The term "authority" stems from the Latin word "auctoritas," which relates to invention, advice, opinion, influence, or command. In essence, it refers to the right to exercise power. On the other hand, "athority" is simply a misspelling and does not carry any historical or etymological significance.

Other forms of the word include "authorities" (plural form) and "authoritative" (adjective form).

Incorrect: She has a lot of experience and athority in her field.

Correct: She has a lot of experience and authority in her field.

Incorrect: The athority given to him made him feel powerful.

Correct: The authority given to him made him feel powerful.

Incorrect: Athority is the way to success.

Correct: Authority is the way to success.

Incorrect: He tried to use his athority to stop the fight.

Correct: He tried to use his authority to stop the fight.

Incorrect: The athority of the teacher was questioned.

Correct: The authority of the teacher was questioned.

Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.

Authority can denote an organization or institution having power or control in a particular field or domain.

Authority also signifies a person with extensive knowledge or expertise in a particular subject.

Authority can describe a body of persons in administrative positions.

Authority may refer to the confidence resulting from qualities of accuracy or reliance.

The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.

One that is invested with this power, especially a government or body of government officials

Power assigned to another; authorization

A public agency or corporation with administrative powers in a specified field

An accepted source of expert information or advice

A quotation or citation from such a source

Justification; grounds

A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.

Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience

Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance

(uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules or give orders; or a position having such power or right.

(plural) Persons, regarded collectively, who occupy official positions of power; police or law enforcement.

(countable) A reliable, definitive source of information on a subject.

(uncountable) Status as a trustworthy source of information, reputation for mastery or expertise; or claim to such status or reputation.

Official permission; authorisation to act in some capacity on behalf of a ruling entity.

(countable) A government-owned agency that runs a revenue-generating activity for public benefit.

Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court.

Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command; as, the local authorities of the States; the military authorities.

The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority, and the like; claim to be believed or obeyed; as, an historian of no authority; a magistrate of great authority.

That which, or one who, is claimed or appealed to in support of opinions, actions, measures, etc.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions;

(usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others;

an expert whose views are taken as definitive;

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities;

an administrative unit of government;

official permission or approval;

an authoritative written work;

The school principal has the authority to enforce rules.

The government has the authority to create and enforce laws.

Parents have the authority to set rules for their children.

She has the authority to make decisions about the project.

Police officers have the authority to arrest lawbreakers.

Librarians have the authority to issue library cards.

The mayor has the authority to declare a citywide curfew.

The judge has the authority to pass sentences on criminals.

A director has the authority to guide the film's production.

Teachers have the authority to assign homework to students.

The president has the authority to veto bills.

The captain of the ship has the authority over all onboard.

A manager has the authority to schedule work shifts.

An umpire has the authority to make calls in a baseball game.

A referee has the authority to enforce the rules in a soccer match.

A coach has the authority to select players for the team.

The head chef has the authority over the kitchen staff.

A pilot has the authority to make decisions during a flight.

A doctor has the authority to prescribe medications.

The committee has the authority to approve or deny applications.

The board of directors has the authority to make major company decisions.

A landlord has the authority to lease properties to tenants.

The dean has the authority to expel students from the college.

A guardian has the authority to make decisions for their ward.

An editor has the authority to approve or reject articles for publication.

Someone who is very knowledgeable about a particular topic.

Doing something with power and confidence.

Being controlled or governed by someone or something.

To begin to hold power or a position of control.

Speak confidently and with knowledge on a subject.

Being in a role where one has the power to make decisions or enforce rules.

To use one's power or rights.

To set up or confirm one's power or influence over others.

To doubt or challenge someone's power or right to make decisions.

Misusing the power one has over others.

To do more than what one's power or role allows.

Someone who is widely acknowledged as an expert.

Beyond what someone has the power to do.

Power given to someone to act on behalf of another.

Doing something without the power or permission to do so.

To question or contest the power of those in control.

The ultimate power to make decisions.

The official power to do something.

Someone who holds a position of power, such as a teacher or police officer.

To take on power or control, often without formal assignment.

The term "authority" originates from the Latin word "auctoritas," which relates to invention, advice, influence, or command.

No, "athority" is a misspelling of the word "authority."

No, authority can also refer to a person with expertise in a particular field or subject.

The correct spelling is "authority."

Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or enforce obedience.

Yes, both "authority" and "author" derive from the Latin "auctoritas," highlighting the idea of creation or origination.

Think of the word "author." An author has the "authority" to write and create.

Authority can refer to the power someone has, an organization with control, or someone with expertise in a subject.

Yes, other forms include "authorities" (plural) and "authoritative" (adjective).

It's a common phonetic error, but remembering the word "author" can help retain the correct spelling.