What does official mean?
Official is a versatile word meaning authorized, formally recognized, or connected with a person or body that has institutional authority. It is used for announcements, reports, records, decisions, positions, and communications that carry more weight than informal or private statements. As a noun, an official is someone who holds a formal position in a government, organization, or event, such as a senior public servant or a sports referee. The word often conveys legitimacy and procedural finality, although it can also imply impersonal distance or excessive formality. Understanding both its adjective and noun uses is important in news, law, administration, sports, and everyday descriptions of recognized institutions and records.
Authorized by or issued from a government, institution, or recognized authority; formal and officially sanctioned.
"The official website provides the latest information about the program."
Also means formally recognized or intended for public or institutional use, as in an official record or an official statement.
A person who holds a formal position in a government, organization, or event.
"A senior official explained the reasons for the delay."
The plural is officials. In sports and organized activities, it can refer to a referee, judge, or event administrator.
Used for people holding formal governmental, organizational, or event-related positions.
"Local officials met with residents to discuss the proposal."
From the Latin officium, meaning office or duty, 'official' originally described something belonging to an office—and still often signals authority that is more than merely informal or personal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does official come from?
The word entered English in the late 16th century from the Latin adjective officialis, meaning “of or pertaining to an office.” This was developed from officium, a Latin word associated with office, duty, and service. English has related words including office, officer, and officious, all connected historically with ideas of office, service, or the performance of duties.
Related word forms
How official is actually used
In its most common adjective sense, official indicates formal authority or recognition, though it can also describe information presented in a formal or standardized way. As a noun, it commonly refers to a government employee or the administrator of an event. The word can suggest distance or procedural formality in some contexts, especially when contrasted with an informal or personal account.
Easily confused with official
Official means having formal authority or recognition, whereas officious means interfering in matters beyond one's role or authority.