officious
adjective C2
Plain meaning
too eager to tell people what to do, especially when it is not your job
Exam-register meaning
intrusively assertive in offering unwanted authority, help, or instruction
In context
naturalAn officious neighbour kept complaining about where everyone parked.
examThe passage criticises the officious bureaucracy that interferes with ordinary decisions.
Common collocations
officious mannerofficious clerkofficious interference
Watch out
Officious is not the same as official. Official is neutral; officious is negative.
Word family
officiously (adverb)officiousness (noun)