Definition of Authorize
Quick Meaning of Authorize
To say yes officially. A person in authority gives you permission to do something.
Detailed Definition of Authorize
To give official permission or approval to someone to do something; to empower officially. (American spelling variant of 'authorise'.)
How to Pronounce Authorize
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: AW-ther-ize. The 'th' sounds like in 'think'. Final '-ize' sounds like 'ize' in 'size'.
Watch out: Some learners mispronounce the 'th' as 'f' or stress the wrong syllable. Say: AW-ther-ize (first syllable stressed, 'th' as in 'think').
Origin and Etymology of Authorize
From Old French 'autoriser' (to establish by authority). 'Auth-' from Latin 'auctoritas' (authority, power). Entered English in 14th century. American spelling uses '-ize' ending, which is standard in US English.
How to Use Authorize in a Sentence
Each example shows “authorize” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The bank manager must authorize large transactions before they are processed.”
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“The government authorized the construction of a new hospital in the city.”
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“Parents need to authorize their children's participation in the school trip.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Authorize
Common Synonyms for Authorize
Smart Synonyms for Authorize — When to Use Each
- permit
- Slightly less formal; emphasizes allowing something
- approve
- Similar meaning; focuses on giving consent or support
- sanction
- More formal; official endorsement with authority
Common Collocations with Authorize
These phrases pair with “authorize” in everyday English:
- authorize access
- authorize payment
- authorize a decision
- authorize an operation
- duly authorized
Common Mistakes When Using Authorize
Even fluent speakers slip up with “authorize”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The manager authorize the request.
- ✓ Correct: The manager authorizes the request.
- Why: Third person singular needs '-s': authorizes (not authorize).
- ✗ Wrong: I was authorized do the work.
- ✓ Correct: I was authorized to do the work.
- Why: Use 'to' before the infinitive verb: 'authorized to do'.
- ✗ Wrong: The company will authorize about the new policy.
- ✓ Correct: The company will authorize the new policy. / The company will announce the new policy.
- Why: 'Authorize' takes a direct object (what is being authorized), not a preposition + noun.
Words Confused With Authorize
- Authorize vs Authorise: British English spelling of the same word. Same meaning and pronunciation, different spelling convention (British vs. American).
Other Forms of Authorize
- Noun: authorization
- Verb: authorize
- Adjective: authorized
Frequently Asked Questions About Authorize
What is the meaning of "Authorize"?
To say yes officially. A person in authority gives you permission to do something.
How do you pronounce "Authorize"?
The IPA is /ˈɔːθəraɪz/. Stress the first syllable: AW-ther-ize. The 'th' sounds like in 'think'. Final '-ize' sounds like 'ize' in 'size'.
What part of speech is "Authorize"?
"Authorize" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Authorize"?
Common synonyms include permit, approve, sanction.
How do you use "Authorize" in a sentence?
For example: "The bank manager must authorize large transactions before they are processed."