officious
Say it: uh-FISH-us /əˈfɪʃəs/ · adjective
What “officious” means
Bossing people about over things that aren't your business.
More precisely: Annoyingly eager to assert authority or interfere, especially in trivial matters.
When to use it
A disapproving word for someone who interferes or enforces petty rules with more authority than the situation calls for.
Memory trick
Think of someone acting official when nobody asked them to take charge.
Similar words
interfering, meddlesome, self-important
Where it comes from
From Latin officiosus, 'obliging', from officium, 'duty'.
Quick check
A guest at your picnic starts ordering everyone where to sit and inspecting their sandwiches without being asked. The guest is…
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officious
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