1.
authority, power, influence
The power or right to command, enforce rules, or make decisions. Also the commanding influence that comes from status, tradition, or institutional position.
権威に逆らう。
To defy authority.
親の権威が弱まっている。
Parental authority is weakening.
権威を振りかざして人を従わせようとする態度は好まれない。
The attitude of wielding authority to force people to comply is not well-liked.
2.
authority, leading expert
A person who is widely recognized as a foremost expert in a particular field. Used to describe someone whose expertise commands respect.
彼はこの分野の権威だ。
He is an authority in this field.
世界的な権威が集まる学会に参加した。
I attended a conference where world-class authorities gathered.
心臓外科の権威として知られる医師に診てもらった。
I was examined by a doctor known as an authority in cardiac surgery.
ETYMOLOGY:
権 (power, right) + 威 (authority, dignity, majesty).
USAGE:
In sense 1, 権威 often carries a slightly negative nuance when used in phrases like 権威を振りかざす (to wield authority overbearingly). In sense 2, it is neutral to positive, describing respected expertise. The adjective form 権威的 means "authoritarian."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 権威を振りかざす: to wield authority
- 権威に従う: to submit to authority
- 権威が失墜する: authority collapses
- 〜の権威: an authority on ~
- 権威主義: authoritarianism
- 権威的: authoritarian