Officious
harduh-FISH-us
adjective
Definition
intrusively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome
Examples
“An officious clerk insisted on rearranging our paperwork though no one had asked him to.”
“Her officious neighbor was forever offering pointers on how to mow the lawn properly.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Officious is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "meddlesome" or "intrusive" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "aloof".
Related GRE Words
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
compliant
inclined to agree with others or obey rules; submissive
docile
Easily taught, submissive, and obedient
imperious
Assuming power or authority without justification; domineering
irresolute
unable to decide; hesitant and wavering
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