Officious
hardNegative toneuh-FISH-us
adjective
Definition
intrusively eager to offer unwanted help or advice; meddlesome
Memory hook
OFFICIOUS looks like 'office-ious': picture an annoying office busybody barging into every cubicle to 'fix' your work uninvited. Note: NOT the same as 'official'.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
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.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“An ______ clerk insisted on rearranging our paperwork though no one had asked him to.”
Show answer
officious
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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