Y08W06VC Theme Words — Power & authority

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Power and authority. The words in this set are used when discussing leadership, governance, control, and the structures through which power operates in society. Many of these terms appear in history, politics, and academic writing. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students analyse how power shapes institutions and individual lives.

Word in Context (Theme: Power & authority)

These three words connect to the theme of Power & authority. As you read, notice how each word helps you discuss this topic with clearer, more precise and more mature language.

hierarchical

/ˈhaɪəˈrɑːkɪkəl/

hi‑er‑ar‑chi‑cal

adjective

Arranged or organised according to a system of ranks or levels of authority, with some people or groups having more power than others.

Word Breakdown: -al (suffix meaning ‘relating to’, attached to ‘hierarchy’)

Word family: hierarchy (n.), hierarchically (adv.)

Example: Many traditional institutions are organised in a hierarchical structure where decisions flow from the top down.

Synonyms: ranked, tiered, stratified

Collocations: hierarchical structure, hierarchical system, strictly hierarchical

authoritarian

/ɔːˈθɒrɪˈtɛəriən/

au‑thor‑i‑tar‑i‑an

adjective

Favouring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom or democratic participation.

Word family: authoritarianism (n.)

Example: The authoritarian regime controlled the media and suppressed any form of public protest.

Synonyms: dictatorial, controlling, oppressive

Collocations: authoritarian regime, authoritarian rule, authoritarian approach

legitimate

/lɪˈdʒɫtɪmɪt/

le‑git‑i‑mate

adjective

Conforming to established rules, laws, or principles; having a valid and recognised basis for authority or existence.

Word family: legitimacy (n.), legitimately (adv.)

Example: Protesters argued that the election results did not reflect a legitimate outcome due to widespread irregularities.

Synonyms: lawful, valid, recognised

Collocations: legitimate authority, legitimate concern, legitimate power

Academic Vocab

notion

/ˈnəʊʃən/

no‑tion

noun

An idea, belief, or concept about something, often one that is widely held but not necessarily proven.

Word family: notional (adj.)

Example: The notion that success depends only on individual effort overlooks the role of systemic advantage.

Synonyms: idea, belief, concept

Collocations: the notion that, challenge a notion, common notion

ideology

/ˈaɪdɪˈɒlədʒi/

i‑de‑ol‑o‑gy

noun

A system of ideas, values, and beliefs that shapes the way a person or group sees the world, especially in political or social contexts.

Word Breakdown: -ology (suffix meaning ‘the study or system of’)

Word family: ideological (adj.), ideologically (adv.)

Example: The political party’s ideology shaped every policy decision it made during its time in government.

Synonyms: belief system, worldview, doctrine

Collocations: political ideology, dominant ideology, ideological position

dominant

/ˈdɒmɪnənt/

dom‑i‑nant

adjective

Having the most power, influence, or authority in a situation; most common, prevalent, or noticeable.

Word family: dominate (v.), dominance (n.)

Example: The dominant view in the media was challenged by a growing number of community voices.

Synonyms: leading, prevailing, powerful

Collocations: dominant view, dominant culture, dominant narrative

perspective

/pəˈspɛktɪv/

per‑spec‑tive

noun

A particular way of thinking about or understanding something, shaped by one’s experience, position, or values.

Word Breakdown: per- (prefix meaning ‘through’)

Word family: perspectival (adj.)

Example: Considering the perspectives of all stakeholders is essential to understanding a complex issue fairly.

Synonyms: viewpoint, standpoint, angle

Collocations: from a perspective, offer a perspective, consider a perspective

challenge

/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/

chal‑lenge

verb | [challenge – challenged – challenged]

To question, dispute, or confront something, especially an accepted idea, authority, or position.

Word family: challenger (n.), challenging (adj.)

Example: The student challenged the assumption that obedience to authority always leads to positive outcomes.

Synonyms: question, dispute, contest

Collocations: challenge an assumption, challenge authority, challenge the idea

notably

/ˈnəʊtbli/

no‑ta‑bly

adverb

In a way that is especially worthy of attention; particularly or significantly.

Example: Several studies, notably those conducted in the 1990s, challenged the prevailing view on this issue.

Synonyms: particularly, especially, significantly

Collocations: most notably, notably absent, notably different

Confusing Words

alternate vs alternative

Alternate and alternative are frequently confused because they look and sound similar, but they have distinct meanings and functions.

  • alternate — Alternate (as an adjective) means occurring in turns, one after the other — for example, 'The authority figure ruled on alternate days, sharing power with a co-leader.' As a verb, to alternate means to switch between two things in turns.
  • alternative — Alternative, on the other hand, describes something that is available as another option or choice: 'The activists proposed an alternative model of governance that distributed power more equally.'

Memory rule: A useful rule: use alternate when describing something that takes turns or switches regularly; use alternative when describing another available option or choice. If you can replace the word with 'other option', choose alternative.