— authoritatively , adv. — authoritativeness , n.
/euh thawr"i tay'tiv, euh thor"-/ , adj.
1. having due authority; having the sanction or weight of authority: an authoritative opinion.
2. substantiated or supported by documentary evidence and accepted by most authorities in a field: an authoritative edition of Shakespeare; an authoritative treatment of a subject.
3. having an air of authority; accustomed to exercising authority; positive; peremptory; dictatorial: said with an authoritative air.
[ 1595-1605; AUTHORIT(Y) + -ATIVE ]
Syn. 1. official. 3. dogmatic, authoritarian.