English Reference

Word

officer

Phoneticsof·fi·cer, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɔfəsɝ/

UK/ˈɒfɪsɐ/

Definitions

01police or law enforcement

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a member of the police force.

n. a member of a police force or similar law enforcement agency.

“The officer asked to see the driver's license after the car stopped.”

“The police officer remained calm while questioning the witnesses to ensure the accuracy of the initial incident report.”

Synonyms

policemanpolicewomanconstable

02military commander

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a person who has a high rank and commands others in the army, navy, or air force.

n. a person holding a commission in the armed forces, typically in a position of command over lower-ranking personnel.

“The young officer led his troops across the field during the exercise.”

“After years of distinguished service, she was promoted to the rank of senior officer within the naval intelligence division.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

soldierenlisted person

03corporate or organization leader

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic · Formal

n. a person in a high position in a large organization or company.

n. a person who holds a senior administrative or executive position in a corporation, society, or government body.

“The chief financial officer explained the company's new budget to the staff.”

“The presiding officer of the committee called for a formal vote on the proposed amendments to the bylaws.”

Antonyms

04to provide with leaders

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Technical

v. to provide a group or organization with officers to lead them.

v. to supply a military unit or organization with officers; to command in the manner of an officer.

“The new regiment was officered by experienced men from the capital.”

“The expedition was poorly officered, leading to a breakdown in discipline once the supplies began to dwindle in the winter months.”

Synonyms

Etymology

From Middle English officer, from Anglo-Norman officer, officier, from Old French officer, Late Latin officiarius (“official”), from Latin officium (“office”) + -ārius (“-er”). By surface analysis, office + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Military

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference