officious
officious — adjective
- officiouspositive
- more officiouscomparative
- most officioussuperlative
1. describes someone who tries to control other people or give them orders, especia
describes someone who tries to control other people or give them orders, especially in a situation where nobody asked for their help or opinion
The officious guard at the gate demanded Zola's ID, though she worked in the building.
officious + noun (person) describing controlling behaviour
Lucía's officious neighbour told her how to arrange the furniture, though not invited inside.
The hotel manager was so officious that guests avoided asking him even simple questions.
Esme found the officious tone of the email off-putting and decided not to reply.
- bossy
more common and informal; focuses on telling others what to do
- meddlesome
emphasises interfering in matters that do not concern you
- interfering
suggests unwanted involvement rather than giving orders
- overbearing
stronger; suggests dominating and arrogant behaviour
- humble
does not think of oneself as important or powerful
- unassuming
does not draw attention to one's authority or position
文法句型
officious + noun
be + officious
用法筆記
Nearly always carries a negative judgement and is used to criticise someone's attitude. Common with nouns describing public-facing jobs: guard, clerk, official, receptionist.