official
gb/əfˈɪʃəl/ us/əfˈɪʃəl/
B1
English
~ 1600
tisztviselő, illetékes, hivatalos, hivatali
NOUN
B1
1
tisztviselő
B2
illetékes
B2
Usage pattern:
[an/ the] official
The health official announced new safety guidelines.
Az egészségügyi tisztviselő új biztonsági irányelveket jelentett be.
Several top officials attended the international summit.
Több magas rangú tisztviselő is részt vett a nemzetközi csúcstalálkozón.
Police officials confirmed the arrest late last night.
Local officials are working to repair the damaged bridge.
Learner examples
The city official spoke to the people.
A városi tisztviselő beszélt az emberekhez.
A police official came to our school.
Egy rendőrségi illetékes jött el az iskolánkba.
The official signed the paper.
Officials met to talk about the problem.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'official' (a person) with 'officer', but 'officer' often refers more specifically to police or military roles.
Meaning
Person in authority
Collocations
government official
|senior official
|public official
|police official
Synonyms
administrator (More general; can refer to someone managing any organization, not just government.)
|
functionary (Formal; often refers to a bureaucratic role.)
Antonyms
civilian (Refers to someone not in an official role, especially in contrast to government or military positions.)
Themes
government
|work
|society
|politics
|law
|business
Definition
A person with an important job in the government or another large group.
A person who has a position of authority or responsibility in an organization, especially in government or public service.
B1
2
hivatalos
B1
Usage pattern:
[the/an] official [statement/decision/version]
The official report was released this morning.
A hivatalos jelentést ma reggel hozták nyilvánosságra.
We are still waiting for the official results of the election.
Még mindig várjuk a választás hivatalos eredményeit.
She made an official complaint to the housing department.
This is the company's official website.
Learner examples
The official answer is on the paper.
A hivatalos válasz a lapon van.
We saw the official rules for the game.
Megnéztük a játék hivatalos szabályait.
This is the official name of the country.
He gave an official talk about the plan.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'official' with 'formal'; 'formal' is about style, while 'official' is about authority.
Meaning
Formally approved
Collocations
official statement
|official decision
|official version
|official record
Synonyms
authorized (Emphasizes having formal permission.)
|
formal (Focuses on following established rules or procedures.)
Antonyms
unofficial (Not formally approved or recognized by an authority.)
Themes
government
|law
|administration
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Said to be true or correct by someone with power or authority.
Formally recognized, approved, or authorized by a person or body with authority.
B2
3
Usage pattern:
[an] official [visit/duty/position]
He visited Japan on an official trip.
Hivatalos úton járt Japánban.
The mayor was there in her official capacity.
A polgármester hivatalos minőségében volt jelen.
Official duties kept him busy all week.
Learner examples
He went on an official trip for work.
Hivatalos útra ment a munkája miatt.
She spoke in her official job role.
Hivatalos minőségében beszélt.
His official duties include meeting people.
Meaning
Related to duties of authority
Collocations
official duties
|official visit
|official capacity
Synonyms
professional (In this context, relates to work responsibilities, but 'professional' is broader.)
Antonyms
personal (Refers to private matters not connected with one's job.)
Themes
work
|government
|business
|politics
Definition
About the work of someone who has an important job in a group or government.
Relating to the work or responsibilities of someone in a position of authority, especially in government or an organization.
Grammar
Dictionary form
official
IPA
GB/əfˈɪʃəl/
US/əfˈɪʃəl/
Syllables & stress
of - fi - cial (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: official
Noun
- Base: official
- Plural: officials
Word family
Forms
officials
noun
Core family
office
noun A1
officially
adverb B2
Related words
officer
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
unofficial
adjective B2
unofficially
adverb
Advanced or less common
officialdom
noun
Expressions
in an official capacity
1/ˈɪn ən əfˈɪʃəl kəpˈæsɪti/
fixed phrase
formal
As part of formal role
Doing something as part of your job or position of authority.
Examples
- He attended the meeting in an official capacity as mayor.
- She cannot comment on this matter in her official capacity.
make it official
1/mˈeɪk ˈɪt əfˈɪʃəl/
fixed phrase
informal
Formally confirm something
To say or show in a formal way that something is true or decided.
Examples
- They decided to make it official and get married next summer.
- The company made it official with a press release yesterday.
the official line
1/ðə əfˈɪʃəl lˈaɪn/
fixed phrase
Authority's stated position
The public story or opinion given by people in power about something.
Examples
- The official line is that the project is on schedule.
- Many doubt the official line from the ministry.