Word
officially
Phoneticsof·fi·cial·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈfɪʃəɫi/
UK/əfˈɪʃəlˌi/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01formally
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a formal way, usually by a person in authority or according to the law.
adv. in a formal or authorised manner; according to established rules or public declaration.
“The new library was officially opened by the mayor yesterday morning.”
“Although the two companies had been collaborating for months, the merger was only officially announced to the press this morning.”
Usage
Typically modifies verbs related to communication or starting a process.
Antonyms
02definitely or completely
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adv. used to say that something is now definitely true or has really happened.
adv. used as an intensifier to confirm that a situation or state has reached a definitive point.
“It is officially too cold to go outside without a heavy coat.”
“After three hours of waiting in the rain for the bus, I am officially done with this city.”
Teaching tip
This sense is common in spoken English to add emphasis to a personal opinion or a frustrating situation.
Synonyms
Etymology
From official + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/officially