authoritative
UK: ɔːˈθɒr.ɪ.tə.tɪv | US: əˈθɔːr.ə.teɪ.t̬ɪv
adj. having the confident quality of someone who is respected or obeyed
adj. containing official or expert knowledge
adj. commanding and self-assured in manner
authoritative = author<originator> + itative<adjective suffix>
- author: From Latin auctor ("originator, founder"), derived from augere ("to increase, create"). The root implies someone who originates or validates.
- itative: A suffix forming adjectives (e.g., qualitative), derived from Latin -itativus, indicating a relational or qualitative nature.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the Latin auctoritas ("authority"), reflecting the idea of an originator’s influence. Over time, author merged with the suffix -itative to form an adjective describing the commanding quality of someone who holds authority, whether through expertise or position. The suffix -itative reinforces the word’s adjectival function, linking it to other Latinate terms like interpretative.
The professor’s authoritative tone made students trust his lectures.
This book is an authoritative source on medieval history.
She spoke in an authoritative manner during the meeting.
The judge’s ruling was based on authoritative legal precedents.
His authoritative knowledge of the subject impressed the audience.