Confusable pair · C1
Official or officious?
Official means authorised or coming from an authority: an official statement. Officious means annoyingly eager to use small amounts of authority: an officious clerk who insists on the form being resubmitted. Official is neutral; officious is always an insult.
Which word, and why
- official
authorised — neutral
Approved by or coming from a person or body in authority.
an official statement · official figures · in an official capacity
- officious
bossy about small rules — always negative
Asserting minor authority in an interfering way.
an officious little man · officious and unhelpful
Now use it
5 items from this page. Nothing is saved anywhere but your own browser.
Item 1 of 5
The figures were published on Thursday morning.
Related
B2Assure, ensure or insure?What is the difference between assure, ensure and insure?C1Alternate or alternative?What is the difference between alternate and alternative?C1Comprise, compose or constitute?What is the difference between comprise, compose and constitute?C2Prescribe or proscribe?What is the difference between prescribe and proscribe?