V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
officious
adjective
Definition: 1. interfering and being in the way; 2. unofficial or informal
Synonyms: meddlesome, interfering, intrusive, self-important, unofficial, informal, casual
Antonyms: shy, helpful
Tips: The archaic meaning of officious was "helpful." It was derived from the Latin for "eagerly performing a function." In modern meaning, it means "overly eager to help, and so, not helpful, but meddlesome." Think of someone trying to seem very important or official by offering suggestions or advice that are unnecessary. In diplomatic settings, officious means informal and not official.
Usage Examples:
He came over to deliver the news in an officious manner and didn't tell us anything we didn't already know. (self-important, meddlesome)
The President and his advisors met in an officious setting, keeping things casual, since it was Sunday. (casual, informal)
Although he should have been helpful, my intern was more officious than efficient. (interfering, intrusive, meddlesome)
She said she wanted to help me prepare the meal, but she just made an officious nuisance of herself. (intrusive, interfering)
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