divine authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "divine authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing religious or spiritual power, legitimacy, or governance believed to be derived from a higher power. Example: "The king ruled with divine authority, claiming his right to the throne was ordained by God."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His moral order was backed by divine authority.

The New York Times - Books

Modern democracy did upset the divine authority of the state.

The New York Times

People don't argue back by claiming divine authority anymore.

The New Yorker

There is a downside to ordaining the self with divine authority, though.

The New York Times - Magazine

Overwhelmingly, the production also shows how Shakespeare's kings constantly use divine authority to mask temperamental flaws.

The Guardian

There was constant affirmation and no tolerance for doubts because divine authority was the basis of social and political authority.

The New York Times

To begin — and end — with, it is never clear what degree of divine authority Eagleton grants Christ's mission on earth.

The New Yorker

She succeeded where the government failed, and for a simple reason, Mr. Jayakumar told me: she possessed divine authority.

The New York Times

At the same time, this foursquare image of divine authority — sturdy, balanced, preservative — is not the whole Vishnu story.

The New York Times - Arts

Timothy Dalton's Lord Asriel, an aristocratic Satan challenging a crumbling divine authority, mixes Miltonic pride with boyish adventurism.

The Guardian

A deep acceptance of divine authority — and that is what true religion demands — entails a renunciation of human rights if God so wills.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political systems or historical contexts, ensure the term "divine authority" is clearly defined within the specific religious or cultural framework being examined. Avoid generalizations that could misrepresent the nuanced understanding of this concept.

Common error

Avoid using "divine authority" loosely to describe any form of strong leadership or influence. The phrase specifically implies a connection to a deity or higher power, and misapplication can dilute its meaning and lead to inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "divine authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the source of power, legitimacy, or command as originating from a deity or higher spiritual entity. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "divine authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that is recognized by Ludwig AI, predominantly found within news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. It denotes that a power, legitimacy, or command is derived from a deity or higher spiritual entity. When using this phrase, clarity is key, especially in avoiding misattribution to secular sources and carefully defining the term's implications within specific religious and historical contexts. Ludwig’s examples and analysis highlight that it is a significant concept in discussing power dynamics and historical narratives, with suitable alternatives including "godlike power" or "heavenly mandate", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divine right

Shorter alternative with focus on the entitlement.

godlike power

Focuses more on the power aspect rather than the legitimacy conferred.

divine sanction

Highlights the approval or permission granted by a divine entity.

heavenly mandate

Emphasizes the permission or command aspect from a higher power.

sacred legitimacy

Highlights the sacred nature of the authority and its acceptance.

divinely ordained rule

Specifically refers to the act of being ordered or decreed by a divine entity, often in the context of governance.

spiritual dominion

Suggests control or influence in a spiritual or religious sense.

religious supremacy

Implies a superior position in the context of religion.

celestial power

Refers to power derived from the heavens or celestial beings, rather than a specific authority.

god-given right

Emphasizes the entitlement aspect of the authority as a gift or endowment from God.

FAQs

How is "divine authority" typically used in writing?

The phrase "divine authority" is often used to describe the source of a leader's legitimacy, particularly in historical or religious contexts. It signifies that the leader's right to rule, or their specific role, comes from a higher power or deity.

What are some synonyms for "divine authority"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "godlike power", "heavenly mandate", or "sacred legitimacy". Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when choosing a substitute.

In what contexts is the concept of "divine authority" most relevant?

The concept of "divine authority" is particularly relevant in discussions of religious history, political science (especially regarding theocracies or monarchies claiming divine right), and theological studies. It's also important in analyzing cultural narratives where rulers or figures derive their power from a deity.

What's the difference between "divine authority" and secular authority?

"Divine authority" implies that the power or right to rule comes from a god or higher power, while secular authority is derived from earthly sources, such as laws, elections, or traditions. The legitimacy of secular authority rests on human institutions and agreements, rather than religious or spiritual claims.