American English
/əˈθɔ.ɹəˌteɪ.ɾɪv/
5 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Accepted as correct because it comes from an expert or an official source.
Practice out loudAccepted as correct because it comes from an expert or an official source.
This is an authoritative guide to American history.
Use an authoritative source for your research.
It usually means “trusted as correct,” not simply “allowed.” For “allowed,” use authorized.
authoritative source · authoritative account · authoritative guide · authoritative study
an authoritative + noun
be authoritative on + subject
Showing confident control and making other people likely to listen or obey.
She spoke in an authoritative voice.
His authoritative manner calmed the crowd.
Authoritative is not the same as authoritarian. Authoritative can be positive, while authoritarian usually suggests too much control.
authoritative voice · authoritative tone · authoritative manner · authoritative presence
an authoritative + noun
sound authoritative