Authority is the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or control others. It can also mean a person or source widely trusted for expert knowledge.
From Old French “autorite,” from Latin “auctoritas,” meaning “influence, command, or prestige.” This goes back to “auctor,” a person who causes or creates something, the root of “author.”
Authority and author share the same root, hinting that real authority comes from being a creator or originator. Power originally grew from being the one who could “make things happen,” not just from a title.
Historically, 'authority' has been associated with male-dominated institutions (church, state, academy), and women’s expertise was often discounted or framed as less authoritative. This shaped who was seen as a legitimate 'authority' in many fields.
Recognize expertise and authority across genders and avoid assuming that authority figures are male by default in examples, imagery, or pronouns.
["expertise","power","control","official body"]
When citing authorities in science, law, or culture, intentionally include women and marginalized genders whose authoritative work has been overlooked or minimized.
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