Official
əˈfɪʃəl
Definitions
2 meaningsApproved or authorized by an authority or government; formal.
əˈfɪʃəl
Approved by authority or the proper channels; formal
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.
💡 Simply: Imagine a school principal making an announcement. It's the 'official' word, not just gossip. It's what's been approved and is the real deal.
👶 For kids: When something is official, it means it's the real deal and the grown-ups said it's okay!
More Examples
We received the official invitation to the wedding.
The official results of the election were announced last night.
How It's Used
"The official statement from the government was released this morning."
"The official score was announced at the end of the game."
A person holding a position of authority or responsibility, especially in an organization or government.
əˈfɪʃəl
A person who holds a position of authority or responsibility, especially within an organization or government.
The town's officials met to discuss the budget.
💡 Simply: Imagine a boss at a company, a referee at a game, or a principal at a school. They are the 'official' people, the ones in charge.
👶 For kids: An official is someone who has an important job like a police officer or a teacher!
More Examples
The sports official blew the whistle for a foul.
The government official gave a press conference.
How It's Used
"Government officials attended the summit meeting."
"The referee is the official who enforces the rules during the game."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
official business
Activities that are part of someone's job or the responsibilities of an organization.
"I'm sorry, I can't talk now; I'm on official business."
officialdom
A group of officials, especially the bureaucrats of a government.
"The new law was passed despite the objections of officialdom."
From Middle French officiel, from Latin officialis ('belonging to an office'), from officium ('office, duty').
The word 'official' has been used since the 16th century to denote someone or something related to public office or authority.
Memory tip
Think of someone in a uniform, following the rules.
Word Origin
"belonging to an office"