Dictionary entry

Authoritative

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Au‐thor″i‐ta‐tive (�), a. 1. Having, or proceeding from, due authority; entitled to obedience, credit, or acceptance; determinate; commanding.

The sacred functions of authoritative teaching.

Barrow.

2. Having an air of authority; positive; dictatorial; peremptory; as, an authoritative tone.

The mock authoritative manner of the one, and the insipid mirth of the other.

Swift.

— Au‐thor″i‐ta‐tive‐ly, adv. — Au‐thor″i‐ta‐tive‐ness, n.