Authority vs. Authorize

Attribute	Authority	Authorize
Definition	The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.	To give official permission or approval for (something).
Origin	From Latin "auctoritas", meaning "invention, advice, opinion, influence, command, or authorization."	From Middle English "autorisen", from Old French "autoriser", from Medieval Latin "authorizare", from Latin "auctor", meaning "originator, creator, author."
Usage	Refers to the power or right to control, command, or determine.	Refers to giving official permission or approval for something to happen.
Legal Implications	Can refer to a person or organization with the power to make decisions and enforce laws or rules.	Can refer to the act of giving someone permission to do something, often within a legal or official context.
Responsibility	Implies the duty or obligation to make decisions and enforce rules or laws.	Implies the act of granting permission or approval for something to occur.

Definition

Authority and authorize are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Authority refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is the ability to control or influence others. On the other hand, authorize means to give official permission or approval for something to happen. It is the act of granting someone the power or right to do something.

Usage

Authority is typically used in the context of leadership or governance. For example, a government official has the authority to make laws and enforce them. A manager has the authority to make decisions for their team. On the other hand, authorize is often used in legal or official contexts. For instance, a judge may authorize a search warrant. A parent may authorize their child to go on a school trip.

Responsibility

With authority comes responsibility. Those who have authority are expected to use it wisely and for the benefit of others. They are accountable for their actions and decisions. Authorize, on the other hand, does not necessarily imply responsibility. The act of authorizing someone to do something does not automatically make the authorizer responsible for the outcome.

Scope

Authority can be broad or narrow in scope. Some individuals have authority over a wide range of matters, while others have authority over specific areas. For example, a CEO has authority over the entire company, while a department head has authority over their department. Authorize, on the other hand, is usually more specific in scope. It is often limited to a particular action or decision.

Legitimacy

Authority is often seen as legitimate when it is based on laws, rules, or norms. It is recognized as valid and rightful. Authorize, on the other hand, is more about granting permission or approval. It may not always be seen as legitimate, depending on the context or the motives behind the authorization.

Examples

• Authority: The president has the authority to veto legislation.
• Authorize: The bank manager authorized the release of funds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, authority and authorize are two related but distinct concepts. Authority refers to the power or right to give orders and make decisions, while authorize means to give official permission or approval. Both terms involve the ability to control or influence others, but authority is often broader in scope and carries more responsibility. Understanding the differences between authority and authorize can help clarify roles and expectations in various contexts.