official

adjective

UK /əˈfɪʃ(ə)l/

1
done by people in authority
There will be an official investigation into last week’s accident.
You’ll have to get official permission from the headteacher.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe actions and activities
actions speak louder than words
amateur
at someone’s request/at the request of someone
1. 1a
  used about things that are decided by a government
  China’s official representatives at the United Nations
  Spanish is the country’s official language.
  Synonyms and related words
  Relating to or describing government policies
  bureaucratic
  Congressional
  constitutional
2. 1b
  used about information that someone in authority provides. This word is sometimes used for suggesting that the information is not completely reliable
  His name did not appear in the official report.
  The official version is that the whole thing was an accident.
  Synonyms and related words
  Not reliable or trustworthy
  official
  unreliable
  suspect
  Synonyms and related words
  According to someone
  according to
  officially
  in someone’s opinion
3. 1c
  used about information that has been announced publicly
  It’s official – the princess is to marry next year.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe statements
  arguable
  avowed
  bald
2
relating to your job, especially a job in which you have authority or represent other people
a list of my official duties
the official country residence of the Prime Minister
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe jobs and work
antisocial
articled
assistant

official

adjective

US /əˈfɪʃ(ə)l/

1
done by people in authority
There will be an official investigation into last week’s accident.
You’ll have to get official permission from the principal.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe actions and activities
actions speak louder than words
amateur
at someone’s request/at the request of someone
1. 1a
  used about things that are decided by a government
  China’s official representatives at the United Nations
  Spanish is the country’s official language.
  Synonyms and related words
  Relating to or describing government policies
  bureaucratic
  Congressional
  constitutional
2. 1b
  used about information that someone in authority provides. This word is sometimes used for suggesting that the information is not completely reliable
  His name did not appear in the official report.
  The official version is that the whole thing was an accident.
  Synonyms and related words
  Not reliable or trustworthy
  unreliable
  untrustworthy
  inconsistent
  Synonyms and related words
  According to someone
  according to
  officially
  in someone’s opinion
3. 1c
  used about information that has been announced publicly
  It’s official – the princess is to marry next year.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe statements
  arguable
  avowed
  bald
2
relating to your job, especially a job in which you have authority or represent other people
The White House is the President’s official residence.
a list of my official duties
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe jobs and work
adjunct
antisocial
assistant

official

noun countable

UK /əˈfɪʃ(ə)l/

Word Forms

singular	official
plural	officials

1
someone with an important position in an organization
a senior government official
Synonyms and related words
General words for workers and types of worker
ancillary
apparatchik
auxiliary

official

noun countable

US /əˈfɪʃ(ə)l/

Word Forms

singular	official
plural	officials

1
someone with an important position in an organization
Synonyms and related words
General words for workers and types of worker
ancillary
apparatchik
auxiliary

official ​‌‌‌

official ​‌‌‌

official ​‌‌‌

official ​‌‌‌

official

official

official

official