OFFICIOUS

PRONUNCIATION: (o-FISH-uhs)


MEANING: adjective:
1. Excessively eager in offering unwanted or unneeded advice or help.
2. Acting in pompous or domineering manner, especially in trivial matters.

ETYMOLOGY: Earlier, someone officious was dutiful or helpful. Over time, the word acquired a negative sense. From Latin officiosus (dutiful), from officium (service). Earliest documented use: 1487.
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BOFFICIOUS - superlative, even for Hollywood

OFDICIOUS - pertaining to fine foods

OFFICIOUT - the automatic summer-vacation email reply message