In the fields of sociology and political science, authority is the legitimate power of a person or group over other people. In a civil state, authority is practiced in ways such a judicial branch or an executive branch of government. In the exercise of governance, the terms authority and power are inaccurate synonyms.

What is the meaning of having authority?

If you have the authority to do something, you have the right or power to do it. You are the big cheese. Or, if you know more about a topic than most, you are an authority on that topic. Giving someone authority grants them the power to make important decisions or have accepted opinions.

What is authority simple words?

Authority is the ability of a person or an organization to conduct a certain lifestyle for another person or a group. ... Authority is made by a certain social power. This power might be materialistic (such as a threat to harm someone) or fictitious (such as belief in a certain person's power).