authoritative source
Reliable information origin
An authoritative source is a reference considered reliable and credible on a particular subject—one whose claims carry weight.
Academic journals, government databases, and established experts qualify as authoritative sources in research contexts: Wikipedia isn't considered an authoritative source for academic papers.
The term implies trustworthiness derived from expertise, rigor, or official standing.
- academic journalPeer-reviewed research publication
- scholarly articlePeer-reviewed research publication
- research paperFormal academic investigation document
- encyclopediaComprehensive subject-matter collection
- accuracyDegree of correctness
science · reliability · peer review · cross-referencing · fact-checking · law · court ruling · expertise · authenticity · gold standard · direct quote · integrity · validity · legal document · government report · medicine · textbook · history
authoritative sourcefake news
Intentionally deceptive media content
misinformation · disinformation · tabloid · propaganda · junk science
authoritative sourcehearsay
Unverified secondhand information
rumor · gossip · speculation · conjecture · word of mouth
authoritative sourceword on the street
Prevailing public rumor
armchair expert · anonymous source · anonymous tip · social media post · forum post
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