official
uh-FIH-shuhl
Official (adj) means Approved by, or coming from, a proper authority. Example: “The official results won't be announced until tomorrow.”
adj
1
Approved by, or coming from, a proper authority.
"The official results won't be announced until tomorrow."
"There has been no official statement from the company yet."
"You need an official letter from the school before you can apply."
noun
1
A person who holds a position of authority or responsibility, especially in government or an organization.
"City officials met to discuss the new budget."
"An official checked our tickets at the gate."
"The airport official asked to see my passport and boarding card."
How to use official
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething authorized or confirmed by the proper authority, or a person who holds such authority.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "official" (authorized, from the proper authority) with "officious" (annoyingly pushy about enforcing rules).
Easily confused with
officious
Common pairings
make it official
an official statement
a government official
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Word forms
- Plural
- officials
- Comparative
- more official
- Superlative
- most official
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ results won't be announced until tomorrow.
Etymology
From Latin officialis, "relating to an office or duty" — built from officium, "duty, service".
Synonyms
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authorized
formal
certified
authoritative
accredited
legitimate
prescribed
functionary
approved
recognized
sanctioned
decreed
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for official
See all rhymes for official →Frequently asked questions
What does “official” mean?
The word “official” means approved by, or coming from, a proper authority. In plain terms, something authorized or confirmed by the proper authority, or a person who holds such authority.
How do you pronounce “official”?
“Official” is pronounced uh-FIH-shuhl (/əˈfɪʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “official” in a sentence?
Here is “official” used in a sentence: “The official results won't be announced until tomorrow.”
What is another word for “official”?
Words with a similar meaning to “official” include approved, recognized, sanctioned and decreed.
What is the opposite of “official”?
The opposite of “official” — its antonyms — is unofficial.
What part of speech is “official”?
Depending on how it is used, “official” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “official” come from?
The word “official” comes from Latin. From Latin officialis, "relating to an office or duty" — built from officium, "duty, service".
Is “official” a common word?
“Official” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'official' and 'officious'?
This is a classic mix-up. Official means approved by or coming from a proper authority — an official statement, an official record. Officious means interfering and bossy, eagerly offering unwanted help or asserting authority one doesn't really have. One is about genuine authority; the other criticises someone overstepping theirs.
What is the difference between 'official' and 'formal'?
Official means sanctioned by a recognised authority — a government, employer, or governing body. Formal means following proper convention, ceremony, or etiquette. Something can be formal without being official, such as a smart dinner, and official without being formal, such as a brief approved notice. They often overlap but are not the same.
Is 'official' a positive word?
It is largely neutral, but leans positive because it signals legitimacy and authority — an official ruling carries weight and trust. It reassures people that something is genuine and approved, not rumour or guesswork. The tone depends on context, yet the core sense of proper backing is generally seen as a good thing.
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