Meaning & use
authorised
Last updated
“authorised” is a form of “authorize”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounBritish
Officially allowed or approved by someone or something with the power to give permission.
Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: an authorised dealer, authorised leave. It can also follow a linking verb: The trip is authorised.
Patterns
- an authorised person
- be authorised to do something
- authorised by someone
Only authorised staff may enter the laboratory.
The payment was authorised by the finance manager.
You need an authorised signature on this form.
adjectiveafter a verbBritish
Having official permission to do a particular job or activity.
Grammar: Often used after be with to + verb: She is authorised to sign contracts.
Patterns
- be authorised to do something
- be authorised for something
She is authorised to approve refunds up to $500.
Are you authorised to drive this van?
The clinic is authorised to give vaccinations.
Common combinations
- authorised dealer
- Buy the camera from an authorised dealer to keep the warranty.
- authorised personnel
- The sign says 'Authorised personnel only'.
- authorised to do something
- He is authorised to act on the manager's behalf.
- authorised version
- This is the authorised version of the report, not a draft.
- authorised absence
- Her absence from class was authorised by the school.
Synonyms and how they differ
- permitted
- Permitted means allowed, often by a rule or law; authorised stresses that a person or body with power has given approval.
- approved
- Approved means accepted as good enough; authorised means officially given the right to do something.
- licensed
- Licensed means holding an official license, often for selling or driving; authorised is broader and can cover any official permission.
Opposites
Word family
- authorise verb
- to give official permission for something
- authorisation noun
- official permission or approval
- authority noun
- the power to give orders or make decisions
Commonly confused: authorised or authorized? authorised or authenticated?
authorised vs authorized
This is the American spelling with a z. Authorised with a s is standard in British English. Both mean the same thing.
authorised vs authenticated
Authenticated means proven to be real or genuine, as with a signature or document. Authorised means officially permitted, which is about permission, not proof of genuineness.
Practice
Choose the correct British spelling for the sentence: 'Only ___ staff can open the safe.'
Choose one answer.
British English uses 'authorised' with a s before a noun. 'Authorized' is the American spelling, and 'authorative' is not a word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “authorised”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.