Authority vs. Authoritativeness — What's the Difference?

In the fields of sociology and political science, authority is the legitimate power that a person or a group of persons possess and practice over other people. In a civil state, authority is made formal by way of a judicial branch and an executive branch of government.In the exercise of governance, the terms authority and power are inaccurate synonyms.

Having or arising from authority; official

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

Of acknowledged accuracy or excellence; highly reliable

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

Demonstrating authority; commanding

Power assigned to another; authorization

The quality of possessing authority.

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

The quality of trustworthiness and reliability.

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;