CS Knowledge Base

From authorit(y) + -ative.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɔːˈθɒɹɪtətɪv/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

  • (proscribed) IPA^(key): /ɔːˈθɒɹɪtɪv/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /əˈθɔɹɪˌteɪtɪv/, /əˈθɑɹɪˌteɪtɪv/, /ɔ-/
  • (proscribed) IPA^(key): /əˈθɔɹɪtɪv/, /əˈθɑɹɪtɪv/, /ɔ-/

authoritative (comparative more authoritative, superlative most authoritative)

1. Arising or originating from a figure of authority.

   Synonyms: formal, proper, ex cathedra

   The authoritative rules in this school come not from the headmaster but from the aged matron.

3. Highly accurate or definitive; treated or worthy of treatment as a scholarly authority.

   Synonyms: definitive, of record, precise

   This book is the world's most authoritative guide to insect breeding habits.

4. Having a commanding style.

   Synonyms: grave, magisterial, masterful, oracular, sterling

   He instructed us in that booming, authoritative voice of his.

   • 2013 June 29, Leo Montada, “Coping with Life Stress”, in Herman Steensma, Riël Vermunt, editors, Social Justice in Human Relations Volume 2: Societal and Psychological Consequences of Justice and Injustice‎^[1], Springer Science & Business Media, →ISBN, page 26:

     The fourth model is called the enlightment model: Actors are seen to be responsible for problems but unable or unwilling to provide solutions. They are believed to need discipline provided by authoritative guidance. The Alcoholic Anonymous^[sic] groups are considered prototypical for this model.

   • 2026 January 29, “Woke rhetoric & design in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (Paramount / CBS, 2026)”, in An Actor Explains‎^[2], via Substack, archived from the original on 2 February 2026:

     Woke is here to undermine Star Trek and Starfleet, so, in this conflict, Holly Hunter’s character manifests feminine traits instead of authoritative ones: she’s emotional, uncertain and vulnerable.