authoritative interpretation

USAGE SUMMARY

"authoritative interpretation" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
This phrase typically refers to an interpretation by a reliable source that is considered to be authoritative on a certain subject. For example: The authoritative interpretation of the law is that all businesses must close by 10 pm.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Here, the SSA’s authoritative interpretation satisfies that test.

Cornell University

Without a right to ask for an authoritative interpretation, the Convention loses its teeth.

The Guardian

In the present case, the SSA’s authoritative interpretation certainly satisfies that test.

Cornell University

National courts can refer to general comments to clarify legislative provisions and for an authoritative interpretation of rights.

The Guardian

The dictionary gives an authoritative interpretation of the use of each word, based on the various meanings the word had held in the past.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This authoritative interpretation by the Florida Supreme Court 'puts these words in the statute as definitely as if it had been so amended by the legislature.' Winters v.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

One group that is trying to present authoritative interpretations is a panel that currently has 12 volunteer members, including professors and directors of Islamic centers.

The New York Times

In constructing the canon and in choosing authoritative interpretations of it, the early Christians suppressed or excluded myth and legend in favour of philosophy, history, and law.

Britannica

This ambivalence is in large part aproduct of various hegemonic, androcentric, and patriarchal discourses that seek to dictate legitimate and authoritative interpretations.

Cornell University

Protestantism has sought to bind both tradition and the church to the authority of holy scripture, with the resulting problem of specifying what is to be regarded as truly authoritative interpretations of scripture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conceived in this way, philology challenges every scholastic passing down of authoritative interpretations.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "authoritative interpretation", ensure the source you're referencing is genuinely recognized and respected in the relevant field. This adds credibility to your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting an interpretation as "authoritative" if it comes from a biased, unreliable or non-expert source. Always verify the source's credentials and reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritative interpretation" functions as a noun phrase, where "authoritative" modifies "interpretation". It identifies an explanation or understanding that carries significant weight due to its source's expertise or official standing, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authoritative interpretation" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to denote an explanation or understanding that is backed by a credible source, and Ludwig confirms that it is correct and appropriate for formal writing. While the phrase sees usage across different categories, it's most frequently employed in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Therefore, when incorporating "authoritative interpretation" into your writing, ensure that the source genuinely holds authority in its respective field to accurately convey the weight and credibility of the interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitive explanation

Focuses on clarity and finality in the explanation, rather than the source's authority.

official clarification

Emphasizes the formal and sanctioned nature of the clarification.

validated understanding

Highlights the confirmation and acceptance of the understanding.

expert elucidation

Stresses the role of an expert in making something clear.

accepted construction

Focuses on the widely agreed-upon way of understanding something.

recognized meaning

Highlights that the meaning is well-known and generally acknowledged.

legal precedent

Refers specifically to a legal decision that serves as a guide for future cases.

conclusive analysis

Emphasizes the thorough and decisive nature of the analysis.

final word

Indicates the ultimate and unappealable interpretation.

authentic reading

Implies that the interpretation is true to the original intent or source.

FAQs

How can I use "authoritative interpretation" in a sentence?

You can use "authoritative interpretation" to describe an explanation that is considered the most reliable or accurate due to the source's expertise. For example, "The court relied on the "authoritative interpretation" of the statute provided by the Supreme Court".

What are some alternatives to "authoritative interpretation"?

Alternatives include "definitive explanation", "official clarification", or "expert elucidation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What makes an interpretation "authoritative"?

An interpretation becomes "authoritative" when it's provided by a source recognized as an expert or having legitimate power in a specific field. This source is generally respected and highly regarded, making its understanding the one followed by most. For example, an "official clarification" given by a government agency.

Is there a difference between "authoritative interpretation" and "common interpretation"?

Yes, while a "common interpretation" is widely accepted, an "authoritative interpretation" carries the weight of expert or official endorsement. While both can be believed by people, the first is more supported by popular acceptance while the second is more supported by source of knowledge.