What is authorize? Pronunciation and usage in English

authorize means . Learn how to pronounce and use authorize through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of authorize

authorizeverb

/ˈɔːθəraɪz//ˈɔːθəraɪz/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "authorize." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • /ɔːˈθɔːraɪz (ah-THOR-ize)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ah – Like the "a" in "father"
  2. THOR – This is a stressed syllable. Pronounce it with a clear "th" sound, like in "thin." Think of it as "thor" as in Thor the god.
  3. ize – This is like the "ize" in "size" or "prize."

British English Pronunciation:

  • /ɔːˈθɔːrəteɪ (ah-THOR-ay)

The biggest difference is the final syllable:

  • ay – Like the "ay" in "day."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: Pay close attention to the stressed syllable. In both American and British English, the "THOR" syllable is the one you emphasize.
  • "th" sound: Make sure you enunciate the "th" sound clearly in the second syllable.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. Here are some helpful resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the word slowly?
  • Focus on the difference between American and British pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word authorize in English

Let's break down how to use the word "authorize" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, but the core meaning is to give permission or official approval.

1. Core Meaning: To Give Permission

  • Most Common Usage: "Authorize" primarily means to officially grant permission for someone or something to do something.

    • Example: "The manager authorized the employee to use the company car." (Now the employee has permission to use the car).
    • Example: "The bank will authorize your loan application if you meet the requirements." (The bank will give permission for the loan).

2. Different Contexts and Synonyms

Here’s how "authorize" is used in various situations, along with some synonyms:

  • Formal/Official Contexts (Government, Laws, Regulations):

    • Authorize legislation: “The parliament authorized the new environmental regulations.” (Passed a law granting permission)
    • Authorize a payment: "The accountant authorized the payment to the vendor." (Gave permission for the payment to be made)
    • Authorize a search: “The police obtained a warrant to authorize a search of the premises.” (Got official permission for a search)

  • Business/Corporate Contexts:

    • Authorize a project: “The CEO authorized the new marketing project.” (Gave official approval)
    • Authorize a purchase: "Accounts payable authorized the purchase order." (Gave permission for the purchase)
    • Authorize access: “The administrator authorized John’s access to the sensitive data.” (Gave permission to access something)

  • Personal Contexts (Less Formal):

    • Authorize a doctor's visit: “My parents authorized me to see the specialist.” (Gave permission)
    • Authorize a gift: “My grandmother authorized me to spend money on birthday presents.” (Gave permission)

3. Phrases Using "Authorize"

  • Authorize someone to do something: "He was authorized to represent the company."
  • Authorize a request: "The supervisor authorized my request for time off."
  • Authorize a process: "The system will automatically authorize all invoices over $1000."

4. Words that mean the same or similar to "authorize":

  • Permit: (Often implies a more relaxed permission) “The city permits street vendors.”
  • Grant: (Often implies giving something, like a benefit or license) “The foundation grants scholarships.”
  • Approve: (Similar to authorize, but often suggests a more deliberate and careful decision) "The committee approved the proposal."
  • Sanction: (Often used in legal and political contexts - to officially approve or authorize something)
  • License: (A formal permission to do something, often for a specific period or activity)

5. Grammar Notes

  • Verb: "Authorize" is a verb.
  • Object: It almost always takes an object – something or someone that is being granted permission. (e.g., “authorize the employee”)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "authorize" in? (e.g., business, legal, personal writing, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to write?

Synonyms for the word authorize

Practice with vocabulary authorize

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security team needs official permission to access the restricted files. Therefore, only senior management can ______ access to them.
  2. All employees are expected to ______ by the company's code of conduct during working hours.
  3. The board will meet next week to ______ the merger with the competing firm, provided all legal conditions are met.
  4. Before submitting your proposal, please ensure you ______ all sections for clarity and accuracy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions typically requires formal approval or official permission from a superior? A) Analyzing monthly sales data B) Drafting a preliminary project plan C) Authorizing a significant capital expenditure D) Responding to customer inquiries E) Implementing a new IT security protocol

  2. The legal department has decided to ______ the release of sensitive information only under very specific circumstances. A) sanction B) prohibit C) authorize D) forbid E) permit

  3. To ensure smooth operations, the team leader must ______ tasks effectively among team members. A) delegate B) direct C) assign D) command E) empower

  4. Before the new product launch, the marketing team must obtain ______ from the regulatory body. A) consent B) approval C) authorization D) endorsement E) acknowledgment

  5. It is imperative that all employees ______ to the revised data privacy guidelines immediately. A) consent B) agree C) adhere D) comply E) accept

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The management committee gave its official approval for the budget increase. Rewrite using "authorize" or a related word form:
  2. Original: Before beginning any work, you must obtain permission from the project manager. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "authorize" or its forms):
  3. Original: The CEO is the only person who has the power to sign off on major investment decisions. Rewrite using "authorize" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. authorize
  2. adhere
  3. authorize
  4. review

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Authorizing a significant capital expenditure, E) Implementing a new IT security protocol
  2. A) sanction, C) authorize, E) permit
  3. A) delegate, C) assign
  4. A) consent, B) approval, C) authorization, D) endorsement
  5. C) adhere, D) comply

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The management committee decided to authorize the budget increase.
  2. Before beginning any work, you must secure permission from the project manager.
  3. Only the CEO is authorized to sign off on major investment decisions.

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