"With authority" refers to acting or speaking with power, confidence, and expertise in a particular field or position. It implies possessing the necessary knowledge, experience, or official position to be considered a credible source or decision-maker. When someone acts or speaks with authority, they are recognized as having the necessary qualifications or expertise to command respect, make informed decisions, and issue directives.
In various contexts, "with authority" can describe someone who possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, or credentials to lead or enforce rules and regulations. This may include individuals in positions of power, such as managers, supervisors, or experts in a specific field. Acting with authority often implies having the ability to make confident and effective decisions, based on an individual's expertise or formal position.
Additionally, "with authority" can refer to delivering information or making statements that are backed by credible evidence or official endorsement. When someone speaks with authority, they are able to convey their message in a clear, convincing, and confident manner, providing a sense of trustworthiness and reliability.
Overall, "with authority" embodies the idea of possessing the necessary knowledge, experience, or official capacity to exert power, make decisions, or speak confidently on a subject, thereby garnering respect and credibility from others.
The phrase "with authority" is not a single word, but rather a combination of two separate words. However, we can examine the etymology of each word individually:
1. With: The word "with" originates from the Old English word "wið" or "with", which has similar meanings in various Germanic languages. It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "*wiðr", meaning "against" or "opposite", and can also denote association or accompaniment.
2. Authority: The word "authority" comes from the Latin word "auctoritas", which is derived from the Latin verb "augere", meaning "to increase" or "to give force to". Over time, "auctoritas" came to encompass the meanings of "influence", "power", and "authorization". This Latin word made its way into English through Old French.