əˈthärəˌtā]d.iv, -thȯr-, -_tə], ]tiv, -ēv also ȯˈth-\ adjective
Etymology: authority + -ative
1.
a. : of the nature of authority : marked by, possessing, or proceeding from authority : official
an authoritative decision
b. : exercising or assuming authority : having an air of authority ; sometimes : demanding submission and conformity : peremptory , dictatorial
an authoritative young officer
2. : possessing recognized or evident authority that elicits acquiescence and acceptance : having qualities that mark as definitive : conclusive , convincing
authoritative literature on the functioning of the human mind — Elspeth Mosscrop
an authoritative interpretation of the great composer
a more sober and authoritative view of the situation — D.W.Maurer & V.H.Vogel
• au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adverb
• au·thor·i·ta·tive·ness noun -es