# officially

/əˈfɪʃəɫi/ (US) · /əfˈɪʃəlˌi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/officially
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. formally

adverb · CEFR B1

in a formal way, usually by a person in authority or according to the law.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. definitely or completely

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal

used to say that something is now definitely true or has really happened.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new law officially starts tomorrow.
- Although they have lived together for years, they only became officially married last weekend at city hall.
- The committee officially declared the results of the election after a week of careful counting and verification of the paper ballots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.