Basic Details
Word: Officious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Being too eager to offer help or advice when it is not needed; overly concerned with details or rules.
Synonyms: Overzealous, meddlesome, intrusive
Antonyms: Indifferent, uninterested, detached
Idioms and Phrases
- Officious meddler: Someone who interferes in others' affairs without being asked. Example: "His brother was an officious meddler, always trying to fix problems that were not his."
- Too many cooks spoil the broth: Used to indicate that too many people trying to help can create confusion. Example: "When everyone chimed in with their opinions, it turned into a chaotic meeting; truly, too many cooks spoil the broth."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The officious assistant kept interrupting the meeting, offering unsolicited advice to everyone present.
Example 2: While we appreciated her intentions, her officious nature made it difficult for us to discuss our plans comfortably.
Example 3: An officious security guard insisted on checking everyone’s bags even when it was not required.
Fun Fact
The word "officious" originates from the Latin word "officiosus," which means "helpful" or "obliging". Ironically, in modern usage, it has come to describe someone who is overly eager to help, often to the point of being annoying!
Famous Quote
"I think life is too short not to have adventures, but it’s also too short to be officious." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "officious" mean?
a) Supportive in the right way
b) Overly eager to help or give advice
c) Completely uninterested
d) Calm and relaxed
Answer: b) Overly eager to help or give advice
2. Which of these is a synonym of "officious"?
a) Indifferent
b) Overzealous
c) Detached
d) Careless
Answer: b) Overzealous
3. Which sentence uses "officious" correctly?
a) She was an officious person who let everyone choose their favourite colour.
b) The officious teacher constantly interrupted the children's playtime.
c) He was known for being officious when leaving parties early.
d) An officious puppy played happily in the garden.
Answer: b) The officious teacher constantly interrupted the children's playtime.
4. Which idiom relates to the concept of "officious"?
a) Too many cooks spoil the broth
b) A piece of cake
c) As easy as pie
d) Under the weather
Answer: a) Too many cooks spoil the broth
5. What is the opposite of "officious"?
a) Helpful
b) Meddlesome
c) Indifferent
d) Overly concerned
Answer: c) Indifferent
