Power vs Authority
Power and Authority are often considered synonyms, but there is some difference between the two words. The word ‘authority’ is used in the sense of ‘ability’ and the word ‘power’ is used in the sense of ‘influence’. This is the main difference between the two words.
Observe the two sentences:
1. He has the authority to impress upon the audience.
2. She has the authority to speak fluently.
In both the sentences you can see that the word ‘authority’ is used in the sense of ‘ability’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he has the ability to impress upon the audience’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘she has the ability to speak fluently’.
Observe the two sentences:
1. He used his power to reinstate the dismissed officer.
2. He came under the power of drugs.
In both the sentences, you can find that the word ‘power’ is used in the sense of ‘influence’ and hence, the first sentence can be rewritten as ‘he used his influence to reinstate the dismissed officer’, and the second sentence can be rewritten as ‘he came under the influence of drugs’.
The word ‘authority’ is sometimes used in the sense of ‘expert’ too as in the sentence ‘he is an authority on the subject’. In this sentence, the word ‘authority’ is used in the sense of ‘expert’. In the same way, the word ‘power’ is sometimes used in the sense of ‘strength’ too as in the sentences:
1. He has enormous power to withstand the discomfort.
2. He has an amazing power in his arms.
In both the sentences, the word ‘power’ is used in the sense of ‘strength’. These are the important differences between the two English words, namely, power and strength.
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