adj
official
uh-FIH-shuhl
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."
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."
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
Word Forms
more official comparative, officials plural, most official superlative
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The _____ results won't be announced until tomorrow.
Etymology
From Latin officialis, "relating to an office or duty" — built from officium, "duty, service".