Officious
Adjective
Definition: Excessively eager to offer unsolicited advice, assistance, or opinions; intrusive.
Synonyms: Meddlesome, Interfering, Nosy, Overbearing
Antonyms: Unobtrusive, Reserved, Indifferent
- The officious waiter kept interrupting our conversation to recommend dishes.
- My officious neighbor always comes over uninvited and tries to give advice on how I should maintain my garden.
- Think of "office" and associate it with someone trying to take charge or overstep their boundaries.
Etymology:
The word "officious" originated from the Latin word "officiosus," which means dutiful or obliging.
Historical Usage:The term has been in use since the early 16th century, with its original meaning centered around the performance of official duties. Over time, it acquired the negative connotation of being overly intrusive or overbearing.
Related Idioms:
"Officious bystander"
Explanation:Refers to someone who interferes or involuntarily inserts themselves into a situation without being asked or needed.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "officious" with "official."
Explanation:While both words have similar origins, "officious" has a negative connotation, suggesting interference or intrusiveness, while "official" refers to a person or thing recognized or authorized to act in a designated capacity.