officious
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “officious” mean?
adjective.assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters.
SAT Usage
this term is often found in passages discussing bureaucracy, authority, or social dynamics, emphasizing the annoyance that comes from someone who asserts control over trivial matters. It suggests a negative connotation of overstepping boundaries, distinguishing it from terms like "assertive," which can be neutral or positive depending on context.
Common Confusions
Officious implies an annoying and overbearing assertion of authority, while assertive usually suggests a confident and self-assured demeanor that is not inherently negative or intrusive.
Do not choose officious if the context emphasizes helpfulness or cooperation rather than assertiveness of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters.
Example Sentences
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The officious clerk demanded five forms before helping anyone.