How does relying on a respected person's endorsement become an ad verecundiam fallacy?

The ad verecundiam fallacy, or "appeal to awe," occurs when an argument relies on the endorsement of a respected person to establish the truth of a conclusion, rather than providing logical evidence or substantive reasoning.1

This becomes a fallacy because the prestige or authority of an individual is not a substitute for the logical validity of a claim. While it is reasonable to consider the views of experts in their respective fields, the ad verecundiam fallacy specifically seeks to secure acceptance of a conclusion solely on the grounds that it is held by someone who is generally respected, regardless of whether that person has actual expertise in the subject matter at hand or whether the argument itself is sound. By prioritizing the status of the person over the merits of the argument, the speaker avoids addressing the facts, effectively using the person's reputation as a tool for persuasion rather than a source of truth.1