autoridad (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Sustantivo (Noun)

Phonetic Transcription

• /au̯toɾiˈðað/

Translation Options into English

• Authority
• Power
• Command

Meaning and Usage

The word "autoridad" refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It can denote both a formal position (like that of a government or official) and a general concept of influence or control. In Spanish, "autoridad" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions related to governance, law, and social structures. It maintains a moderate to high frequency of use in everyday language.

Example Sentences

1. La autoridad sanitaria emitió una alerta sobre la nueva enfermedad.

2. The health authority issued a warning about the new disease.

3. La policía necesita actuar con autoridad para mantener el orden.

4. The police need to act with authority to maintain order.

5. Es fundamental respetar la autoridad de los maestros en la escuela.

6. It is essential to respect the authority of teachers in school.

Idiomatic Expressions

In Spanish, "autoridad" is not only used in its literal sense but also features in several idiomatic expressions that signify control, governance, or influence.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Autoridad moral: Se refiere a una persona que tiene el respeto de los demás debido a su comportamiento o principios.
2. Moral authority: This refers to a person who has the respect of others due to their behavior or principles.

3. Ejemplo: Su experiencia le da autoridad moral para hablar sobre el tema.

   • His experience gives him moral authority to speak on the matter.

4. Tomar autoridad: Se refiere a hacerse responsable o actuar con determinación.

5. To take authority: This refers to taking responsibility or acting with determination.

6. Ejemplo: El gerente decidió tomar autoridad en la situación conflictiva entre el personal.

   • The manager decided to take authority in the conflicting situation between the staff.

7. Autoridad de hecho: Se refiere a una situación en la que una persona ejerce poder sin tener el respaldo legal formal.

8. De facto authority: This refers to a situation where a person exerts power without formal legal backing.
9. Ejemplo: Muchas veces, la autoridad de hecho toma decisiones más rápido que la legal.
   • Many times, de facto authority makes decisions faster than the legal one.

Etymology

The word "autoridad" comes from the Latin "auctoritas," which denotes influence, power, or authority. The root "auctor" means "increaser" or "originator," reflecting the concept of having the power to create or enforce something.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Sinónimos (Synonyms):
• Poder
• Dominio
• Control

• Soberanía (sovereignty)

• Antónimos (Antonyms):

• Anarquía (anarchy)
• Desobediencia (disobedience)
• Insubordinación (insubordination)

In summary, "autoridad" is a multifaceted term used extensively across various domains in the Spanish language, carrying with it a significant weight in legal, economic, and general discourse.