authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
Examples
In a meeting
“I can authorize that expense if it's under budget.”
Over coffee
“Did your parents authorize this trip?”
Why this word
allow
Authorize means giving official permission or power, while allow is more informal and doesn't imply formal authority
permit
Authorize implies granting formal power or approval often in official contexts, while permit is more general consent without emphasizing institutional authority
approve
Authorize means giving someone power or right to act, while approve just means agreeing something is acceptable
Usage tip
Use when formal permission or official approval is needed; implies someone has the power to grant approval
Etymology
Medieval Latin 'auctorizare' from 'auctor' (originator, promoter) meaning 'one who causes to grow'
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it
endorse
To publicly declare support or approval for something
arbitrary
Based on random choice rather than reason or system