Authoritative

Pronunciation

\ə-ˈthär-ə-ˌtā-tiv, ȯ-, -ˈthȯr-\

Date

1605

Definition

• adjective

1 a: having or proceeding from authority : official <authoritative church doctrines> b: showing evident authority : definitive <a most authoritative literary critique>2: dictatorial 2 — au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adverb — au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness noun