authorize
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To give official or legal permission for something to happen or be done.
To empower, approve, or commission an action, person, or document; to provide the authority or justification for something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a formal power structure or hierarchy; often involves institutions, officials, or written documentation. The agent of authorization typically holds a position of power or trust.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the spelling is often 'authorise' (though 'authorize' is also accepted, especially in formal/official contexts), whereas American English exclusively uses 'authorize'. No difference in meaning.
Connotations
The word carries similar weight and formality in both variants. Associated with bureaucracy, law, and official procedure.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, legal, administrative, and business contexts than in casual speech. Frequency of use is comparable between regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
authorize somethingauthorize somebody to do somethingauthorize doing somethingbe authorized by somebody/somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to get the green light (informal synonym)”
- “to sign off on”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board must authorize any expenditure over £50,000.
Academic
The ethics committee authorized the study to proceed.
Everyday
Can you authorize me to collect the package on your behalf?
Technical
The system requires an admin token to authorize the software update.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will authorise the new development plans next week.
- I need you to authorise this invoice for payment.
- The treaty authorises joint military action.
American English
- The FDA must authorize the new drug before it can be sold.
- My card company didn't authorize the large transaction.
- The constitution authorizes Congress to levy taxes.
adverb
British English
- The payment was not authorisably made. (Rare/formal)
- The contract was authorisably signed by the director.
American English
- The funds were not authorizably transferred. (Rare/formal)
- He acted authorizably on behalf of the company.
adjective
British English
- Only authorised personnel may enter this area.
- Please use the authorised supplier for all parts.
American English
- You need an authorized signature on this form.
- The car was sold by an authorized dealer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher authorized the students to use the library computer.
- My parents authorized me to go on the school trip.
- The bank must authorize any withdrawal over a certain amount.
- The manager authorised a discount for the customer.
- Parliament has authorised the use of additional funds for the emergency.
- The software will not run unless an administrator authorises the installation.
- The new legislation authorises the security services to monitor communications under specific circumstances.
- The board was fully authorised to negotiate the merger terms on behalf of the shareholders.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an AUTHOR writing an official letter of permission. The AUTHOR-ity to do something comes from the one who AUTHOR-izes.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A KEY (to unlock actions), PERMISSION IS A SIGNED DOCUMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'авторизоваться' (to log in/authenticate). 'Authorize' is about granting permission, not logging in.
- Do not directly translate as 'авторизировать' – the correct Russian equivalents are 'санкционировать', 'разрешать (официально)', 'давать полномочия'.
- Be careful with the noun 'authorization' – it is 'разрешение' or 'санкция', not 'авторизация' (which is a computing term).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'The law authorizes to build the house.' Correct: 'The law authorizes the construction of the house.' / 'The law authorizes them to build the house.'
- Incorrect preposition: *'authorize for doing something'. Correct: 'authorize doing something' or 'authorize somebody to do something'.
- Spelling confusion between British 'authorise' and American 'authorize' in regionally specific texts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'authorize' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Authorize' is the standard spelling in American English and is also common in British English. 'Authorise' is a common British English variant. Both are correct in a UK context, but consistency within a document is key.
'Allow' and 'permit' are more general. 'Authorize' is more formal and specific, implying official, legal, or institutional permission granted by someone in authority.
Yes. You can authorize a person (to do something) or authorize an action/thing (e.g., authorize payment, authorize a plan). The common patterns are: authorize somebody to do something, or authorize something.
The noun is 'authorization' (American English) or 'authorisation' (British English). It refers to the official permission itself (e.g., 'We need written authorization').