Officious

usgb/əˈfɪʃəs/
adjective

Describes someone who is annoyingly eager to help or advise.

The officious waiter kept interrupting our conversation to ask if everything was alright.
Visual representation of "officious" - Describes someone who is annoyingly eager to help or advise

Often appears as...

  • officious person
  • officious approach

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "officious"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Nuance

While 'officious' implies eagerness to help, it conveys a negative and overbearing implication.

Illustration for Negative Nuance
The officious volunteer made us uncomfortable rather than helping.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Unwanted Assistance

Use when assistance is offered without a request, often seen as intrusive.

Illustration for Unwanted Assistance
Her officious nature made her meddle in everyone's projects.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Inappropriate Timing

Often used when someone offers help or advice at inconvenient times.

Illustration for Inappropriate Timing
His officious comment during the debate was ill-timed and distracting.
Visual representation of the word "Officious"

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