authentication
aw-then-tih-KAY-shun
/ɔːˌθɛntɪˈkeɪʃən/
The process or act of verifying the identity of a user, process, or device.
Refers specifically to proving who you are, as opposed to authorization, which determines what actions you are allowed to perform.
The story behind the word. The word stems from Greek 'authentikos', meaning principal, genuine, or authored by one's own hand. In ancient Greek, an 'authentes' was a master or doer who acted on their own authority. Over centuries, the term moved into medieval Latin and Old French before entering English to signify proving that something—or someone—is genuine and untampered with.
Word relationships
- verification: Verification is broader and can refer to checking facts or documents, whereas authentication specifically validates identity or origin.
- validation: Validation confirms compliance with rules, while authentication proves genuine identity.
- impersonation: Impersonation is pretending to be another entity, directly opposing genuine identity proof.
- anonymity: Anonymity is the state of being unknown, whereas authentication establishes explicit identity.
Commonly confused with
- authorization: Authentication proves who you are; authorization determines what permissions you have.
Word family
- authenticate (verb): To prove or serve as proof of the identity or authenticity of something.
- authentic (adjective): Genuine, real, or true.
- authenticity (noun): The quality of being genuine or authentic.
Collocations
- multi-factor authentication
- two-factor authentication
- user authentication
- authentication protocol
Example sentences
- "Multi-factor authentication requires users to present two or more pieces of evidence before accessing their accounts." Digital Security
Memory hook
Think of an AUTHENTIC AUTHOR proving their identity on a book cover. AUTHentic identity check.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical verification of artwork or antiques unless using a formal technical framework.
Fun facts
- The concept of two-factor authentication was patented in 1998 by AT&T, long before smartphones made push notifications ubiquitous.
Related words
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