Reading Theme:
Official Meaning: Formal Approval & Authority (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：formally approved (official)
official
/əˈfɪʃ.əl/
adj., n.
Something that is approved, announced, or done by the government or an organization in a formal way.
formally approved
➕
/ˈfɔːrməli əˈpruːvd/
adj., n.
Describes something that is done, released, or recognized by an authoritative body in a formal manner.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'officium' (duty, service) + '-al' (adjective suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of an 'office' as the place where 'official' documents and decisions are made.
📖 Example
We are waiting for the official results from the election committee before celebrating.
We are waiting for the official results from the election committee before celebrating.
🔗 Collocations
official statement – a formal announcement from an authority
official approval – formal permission granted by a governing body
official document – a legally or institutionally recognized paper
🔄 Synonyms
authorized (adj.) – having official permission or sanction
formal (adj.) – done in accordance with rules or conventions
approved (adj.) – officially accepted or endorsed
🚫 Antonyms
unofficial (adj.) – not formally authorized or recognized
informal (adj.) – without formal ceremony or procedure
unauthorized (adj.) – not having official permission
🌱 Derivatives
officially (adv.) – in a formal or authoritative manner
officiate (v.) – to act as an official in a ceremony or event
officious (adj.) – asserting authority in an intrusive way
📖 Cultural Story
Official derives from Latin officium (duty) via Old French oficial. In modern English, it denotes something authorized by a formal body, commonly used in government, business, or legal contexts to indicate legitimacy.
Meaning 2：authority figure (official)
official
/əˈfɪʃ.əl/
adj., n.
A person who has a position of authority and responsibility in a government, company, or organization.
authority figure
➕
/əˈθɔːrəti ˈfɪɡjər/
adj., n.
A person who holds a position of power or responsibility in an organization, especially in government.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A local official visited the community center to listen to residents' concerns about park maintenance.
A local official visited the community center to listen to residents' concerns about park maintenance.
🔗 Collocations
elected official – a person chosen by vote to hold a public office
government official – a person employed or appointed in a governmental role
public official – a person holding a position in public service
🔄 Synonyms
officer (n.) – a person holding a position of authority, especially in the military or police
administrator (n.) – a person responsible for managing an organization
functionary (n.) – a person employed in a bureaucratic role
🚫 Antonyms
private citizen (n.) – an individual not holding public office
subordinate (n.) – a person under the authority of another
🌱 Derivatives
officially (adv.) – in the capacity of an official
officeholder (n.) – a person who holds a particular office
officiate (v.) – to perform the duties of an office or ceremony
Wordbook
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