What is official? Pronunciation and usage in English

official means . Learn how to pronounce and use official through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of official

officialadjective

/əˈfɪʃl/
Definition & pronunciation of official

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "official." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈfɪʃəl/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ə (first syllable): This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound, almost like you're swallowing the sound. It's a schwa sound (like in "about").
  • ˈfɪ (second syllable): This is a clear "fee" sound, as in "fee." The stress is on this syllable.
  • ʃəl (third syllable): This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced like "sh" as in "ship," followed by "uhl."

Here's a more detailed explanation and some tips:

  1. Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("fee").

  2. "Sh" sound: Make sure you're delivering a distinct "sh" sound, not a "s" sound.

  3. "Uhl" sound: The final "-al" is pronounced as "uhl."

  4. The schwa: Don’t try to force a separate sound for the first syllable. Listen for it to be a very short, neutral "uh" sound.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/official/ (This site has native speakers pronouncing the word)
  • Google Translate: Type "official" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce official" on YouTube and you’ll find many audio examples.

To recap, think of it as: əˈfɪʃəl (uh-FEE-shuhl)

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Usage and examples with the word official in English

Let's break down how to use the word "official" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning.

1. Primarily Meaning: Authoritative and Designated

This is the most common usage. “Official” describes someone or something that has been given authority or designated to perform a specific task or hold a particular position.

  • People: "The official representative of the company will be attending the conference." (The person chosen and authorized to attend.)
  • Documents: "The official document stated the terms of the agreement." (The legally recognized version.)
  • Regulations: "The official guidelines outlined the procedures." (The established rules.)
  • Events: “The official opening ceremony will begin at 7 pm.” (A formally sanctioned event.)

2. Meaning: Legally Recognized or Valid

“Official” can also mean something that is legally recognized or considered valid.

  • “The official record shows he graduated in 2015.” (The officially recorded information.)
  • “We need the official stamp to validate the contract.” (The certified, authoritative stamp.)

3. Meaning: Formal or Formal-Sounding

Sometimes, "official" is used to describe something that sounds very formal or bureaucratic. This usage is often slightly critical.

  • “The official language of the meeting is English.” (Sounds a bit stiff and impersonal.)
  • “He gave me an official-sounding apology that didn’t seem sincere.” (Suggests a tedious, impersonal process.)

Here's a breakdown with examples to help solidify your understanding:

Category Example Explanation
Authority The official mayor gave a speech. The designated leader of the city.
Documentation The official map is much more accurate. The officially sanctioned version.
Regulations Follow the official safety rules. The established, approved guidelines.
Legally Valid The official birth certificate proved his age. A document legally confirming his identity.
Formal Tone The official announcement was brief and to the point. A formal, perhaps slightly cold, statement.

Tips for Using “Official” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the precise meaning.
  • Synonyms: Consider alternatives like “designated,” “authorized,” “official,” “formal,” “legitimate,” or “certified” – each word carries a slightly different nuance.
  • Avoid overuse: Using "official" too frequently can make your writing sound stuffy or overly formal.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of “official” in different sentences?
  • Help you understand how “official” compares to similar words (e.g., “formal,” “legal,” “authorized”)?
  • Practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word official

Idioms of the word official

it's official
(informal, humorous)used to announce publicly something that you think is obvious or that everyone already knows
  • It's official: this is the worst zombie film ever.

Practice with vocabulary official

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university issued an _____ transcript to confirm his academic record.
  2. Candidates are advised to use a more _____ tone when communicating with potential employers.
  3. Upon his appointment, he assumed his _____ duties as the head of the department.
  4. Access to the secure server is strictly limited to _____ personnel only.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe a document that carries legal authority and is sanctioned by an organization? A) casual B) official C) personal D) authorized E) private

  2. If a source of information is considered entirely trustworthy and backed by a reputable institution, it is often referred to as a(n) _____ source. A) anecdotal B) official C) speculative D) unverified E) common

  3. Which of the following words suggests that a plan or action has received the necessary permission or approval from a higher power? A) impromptu B) sanctioned C) spontaneous D) prohibited E) approved

  4. When a representative speaks on behalf of their government or organization in a public capacity, their statement is considered to be: A) confidential B) official C) personal D) formal E) private

  5. Which words describe a meeting or gathering that adheres strictly to established rules of etiquette and procedure? A) informal B) casual C) impromptu D) formal E) ceremonial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government made a public declaration about the new environmental policy.

    • Rewrite using "official":

  2. Our project has received certification as a recognized standard from the industry body.

    • Rewrite using "officially":

  3. The authorized guidelines for data security must be strictly followed by all employees.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "authorized" (do not use "official"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university issued an official transcript to confirm his academic record.
  2. Candidates are advised to use a more formal tone when communicating with potential employers.
  3. Upon his appointment, he assumed his official duties as the head of the department.
  4. Access to the secure server is strictly limited to authorized personnel only.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) official, D) authorized
  2. B) official
  3. B) sanctioned, E) approved
  4. B) official, D) formal
  5. D) formal, E) ceremonial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government made an official declaration about the new environmental policy.
  2. Our project has been officially certified as a recognized standard from the industry body.
  3. The prescribed guidelines for data security must be strictly followed by all employees.

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