authoritativeness
|au-thor-i-ta-tive-ness|
🇺🇸
/əˌθɔːrɪˈtætɪvnəs/
🇬🇧
/ɔːˌθɒrɪˈtætɪvnəs/
having authority
Etymology
'authoritativeness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'auctoritas', where 'auctor' meant 'originator, promoter' and 'auctoritas' meant 'authority'.
'auctoritas' passed into Old French as 'autorité' and into Middle English as 'authorite' (later 'authority'); from the adjective 'authoritative' the abstract noun 'authoritativeness' was formed in modern English.
Initially it referred to the influence or position of an 'originator' or 'promoter' (auctor), and over time it evolved to mean 'the quality of having or conveying authority' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being authoritative; having recognized or accepted authority, credibility, or influence (often as a source of information or decision).
The authoritativeness of the committee's report led policymakers to adopt its recommendations.
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Noun 2
the quality of expressing confidence, command, or finality in tone or manner (e.g., an authoritative tone that leaves little room for doubt).
Her authoritativeness in meetings discouraged debate and often settled disputes quickly.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 08:38