Cool MateAuthority vs Powers
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Authority
Top 2,000 (common)B1noun
Powers
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Powers
| Authority | Powers | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈθɔːrɪti//🇺🇸 //əˈθɔːrɪti// | 🇬🇧 //ˈpaʊəz//🇺🇸 //ˈpaʊərz// |
| Meaning | The power or right to give orders and make decisions. | The ability to do something or control something. |
| Example | The teacher has authority over the students. | The government has the powers to implement new laws. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | exercise authority, recognize authority, challenge authority | abuse powers, exercise powers, transfer powers |
| Antonyms | powerlessness, subordination | weakness, impotence |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'author' - authority refers to power, not authorship., Misused in singular form; should often use 'authorities' for multiple groups or people. | Confused with 'power' as a singular form., Misused in phrases without proper context., Incorrectly used with plural verbs. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Often refers to organizations or individuals in positions of power. | Used in various contexts including politics, science, and personal abilities. Not usually used in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Authority vs Powers
What's the difference between Authority and Powers?
Authority: The power or right to give orders and make decisions. Powers: The ability to do something or control something.
Which is more common: Authority and Powers?
Powers is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Authority: The teacher has authority over the students. Powers: The government has the powers to implement new laws.
Can I use Authority and Powers interchangeably?
Not always. Authority and Powers are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.