Official

Sanctioned or authorized by a governing body.

formal authorized sanctioned

Official denotes something sanctioned or authorized by a governing body. It can also refer to someone holding an official position.

Pronunciation

/ˈɒfɪʃəl/

Etymology

From Old French official, from Late Latin officialis, meaning ‘relating to public affairs’.

Explain Like I’m 5

Official means something is approved or recognized by a government or important organization, like when a sports league says a player is allowed to play.

Fun Facts

The term 'official' comes from the Latin word 'officiālis', meaning relating to duty
Official languages are designated by governments for use in legal and administrative matters
Many organizations have official seals or logos to signify their legitimacy

FAQ

What does 'official' mean? Something approved by an authority
Is an official document legally binding? Yes, it typically carries legal weight
Who decides what is 'official'? A governing body or recognized authority

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

authorized formal legitimate

Antonyms — Opposites or Contrasts

unofficial informal

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

status position

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

ambassador clerk diplomat

Indexes

administrative legal

Built by Tim Jones