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Saturday 11 June 2016

Word Of The Day: Officious

Officious



MEANING:
adjective:
1. Excessively eager in offering unwanted or unneeded advice or help.
2. Acting in pompous or domineering manner, especially in trivial matters.

ETYMOLOGY:
Earlier, someone officious was dutiful or helpful. Over time, the word acquired a negative sense. From Latin officiosus (dutiful), from officium (service). Earliest documented use: 1487.

USAGE:
“Zimmerman, wearing a banker’s collar and projecting an officious air into the room, continued.”
Sonia Smith; Unfriendly Climate; Texas Monthly (Austin); May 2016.





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