officious
pronunciation
How to pronounce officious in British English:
UK [əˈfɪʃəs]
How to pronounce officious in American English:
US [əˈfɪʃəs]
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- Adjective:
- intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
Word Origin
- officious (adj.)
- 1560s, "zealous, eager to serve," from Latin officiosus "full of courtesy, dutiful, obliging," from officium "duty, service" (see office). Sense of "meddlesome, doing more than is asked or required" had emerged by 1600 (in officiously). An officious lie (1570s) is one told to do good to another person (from Latin mendocium officiosum or French mensonge officieux). Related: Officiousness.
Example
- 1. A particularly officious customs officer clearly regarded me as a smuggler .
- 2. She liked them because they were not officious .
- 3. You are rather disposed to call his interference officious ?
- 4. Officious immigration and customs officers scrutinised documents and searched cabins for stowaways or illicit goods .
- 5. The officious man can hardly believe that is our official attitude .