officially
uh-FIHSH-lee
Officially (adv) means according to official rules, procedures, or authority. Example: “The bridge was officially opened last Friday.”
adv
1
According to official rules, procedures, or authority.
"The bridge was officially opened last Friday."
"The new library will officially open once the council signs the paperwork."
"Officially, visitors must register at the front desk before entering the building."
2
Used to emphasize that something is now completely, undeniably true.
"I am officially exhausted after that hike."
"Now that I have finished my last exam, I am officially on holiday!"
"After three failed repairs, the old van is officially dead."
How to use officially
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a formal, authorized way — or, informally, "now it's completely true/confirmed".
Common pairings
officially open
officially confirmed
officially over
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more officially
- Superlative
- most officially
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The bridge was _____ opened last Friday.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for officially
See all rhymes for officially →Frequently asked questions
What does “officially” mean?
The word “officially” means according to official rules, procedures, or authority. In plain terms, in a formal, authorized way — or, informally, "now it's completely true/confirmed".
How do you pronounce “officially”?
“Officially” is pronounced uh-FIHSH-lee (/əˈfɪʃ.(ə.)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “officially” in a sentence?
Here is “officially” used in a sentence: “The bridge was officially opened last Friday.”
What part of speech is “officially”?
“Officially” is an adverb.
Is “officially” a common word?
“Officially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “officially” have?
“Officially” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: according to official rules, procedures, or authority.
What is the difference between officially and unofficially?
Officially means something is done according to recognized rules, procedures or authority — a decision that is formally recorded and endorsed. Unofficially means the opposite: it happens informally, off the record, or without that stamp of approval. A result can be known unofficially through rumour long before it is officially confirmed.
Is "officially" formal or informal?
Officially is a formal-sounding adverb, and it signals that something carries the weight of authority, law or recognized procedure. That said, it appears in casual speech too, often for light emphasis — "I'm officially exhausted." In that playful use it borrows the tone of formality rather than describing a genuine official act.
What is an example of "officially" in a sentence?
You might read, "The company officially launched the product on Monday," or "She was officially appointed as director." The word shows that an action has been carried out through proper channels or authority. It often marks the moment something becomes formal, public and on the record.
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