autoridad
“autoridad” means “authority” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
authority, power
Also: jurisdiction
📝 In Action
El director tiene la autoridad de aprobar el presupuesto.
A2The director has the authority to approve the budget.
No tienes autoridad para decirme qué hacer.
B1You don't have the power/right to tell me what to do.
La ley le da autoridad al policía en ese momento.
B1The law gives the police officer authority at that moment.
the authorities, expert
Also: official
📝 In Action
Llamamos a las autoridades después del accidente.
B1We called the authorities (the police/officials) after the accident.
Ella es considerada una autoridad mundial en física cuántica.
B2She is considered a world authority/expert on quantum physics.
La autoridad municipal decidió cerrar el parque.
B2The municipal authority (the city officials) decided to close the park.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "autoridad" in Spanish:
authority→expert→jurisdiction→official→power→the authorities→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: autoridad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'autoridad' to mean 'a respected expert' rather than 'power'?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *auctoritas*, which meant 'influence, power, advice, or command'. It shares its root with the English word 'author,' as an author is the 'authority' or source of a text.
First recorded: Medieval Latin
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'autoridad' feminine even though it doesn't end in -a?
'Autoridad' is feminine (la autoridad) because it follows a common Spanish pattern where nouns ending in -dad, -tad, -tud, -ción, -sión, and -ez are almost always feminine. It's a pattern you can rely on!
How do I say 'the authorities' (like the police) in Spanish?
You should use the plural form: 'las autoridades'. For example, 'Debemos cooperar con las autoridades' (We must cooperate with the authorities).