Understanding 权威 (quánwēi)
The word 权威 combines the characters for 'authority/power' (权) and 'prestige/might' (威), conveying the sense of recognized power or authoritative status.
Usage and Nuance
权威 is often used to describe a person, institution, or source that holds recognized authority or expertise in a particular field. It can refer to official power (like government authority) or to respected experts whose opinions carry weight.
When you call someone a 权威, you imply they have earned respect through knowledge, experience, or official position. This word is formal and common in academic, legal, or professional contexts.
Common Collocations
- 权威人士: authoritative person, expert
- 权威机构: authoritative institution
- 权威性: authoritativeness, credibility
These collocations emphasize the legitimacy and influence of the subject.
Important Notes
- 权威 differs from 权力, which focuses more on power or control, while 权威 emphasizes legitimacy and respect.
- Avoid confusing 权威 with 威严, which means 'dignity' or 'awe-inspiring presence' but lacks the explicit sense of authority.
- 权威 can be used both as a noun and an adjective (e.g., 权威的专家 - authoritative expert).
Understanding 权威 helps learners recognize when someone or something is considered a trusted source or holds official power in conversation or writing.