Definition

1. Adverb:
   • With formal authorization or recognition: In a manner that is formally approved, sanctioned, or recognized by a person or organization in authority.
   • In an official capacity or role: According to the formal duties, statements, or position of a person or institution, as opposed to private or unofficial information.

Usage and Examples

• With official authorization:

  • The new policy was officially announced by the government yesterday.
  • The treaty will officially take effect next month.

• In an official role:

  • She is officially the manager, but the team still reports to the director.
  • Officially, the company denies any involvement, but rumors persist.

Advanced Usage

• "To make something official": To formally declare, authorize, or recognize something.

  • They signed the contract to make their partnership official.

• "Officially speaking": Used to introduce a statement made from a formal, authorized standpoint.

  • Officially speaking, the investigation is still ongoing.

Variants and Related Words

• Official (adjective): Relating to an authority or public body; formal.
  • We are waiting for the official report.
• Official (noun): A person holding public office or having a position of authority.
  • A senior official spoke to the press.
• Officialdom (noun): The officials of an organization or government collectively, often viewed as a bureaucratic system.
• Unofficially (adverb): In a way that is not formally authorized or confirmed.
  • Unofficially, employees were told about the changes last week.

Synonyms

• Formally: In accordance with convention or etiquette; officially.
• Authoritatively: In a manner that is accepted as true or coming from a reliable source.
• Publicly: In a manner open or known to people in general; not privately.

Antonyms

• Unofficially: Not formally or publicly.
• Informally: In a relaxed, friendly, or unofficial style.
• Privately: In a manner not open to or shared with the public.

Related Phrases

• Go official: To become formally recognized or declared.
  • The couple decided to go official with their relationship on social media.
• The official word: The formal, authoritative statement or information.
  • We are waiting for the official word from headquarters before proceeding.

Adverb

1. with official authorization
   • the club will be formally recognized
2. in an official role
   • officially, he is in charge
   • officially responsible