Word of the Day - 10/21/25
officious
/ə'fɪʃəs/(adj.): intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
The officious tour guide made everyone uncomfortable with his constant unsolicited advice and interruptions.
Word Origin
The word 'officious' originates from the Latin word 'officiosus', meaning 'dutiful, obliging, courteous, or ready to serve'. It is composed of 'officium' (duty, service, office) and the suffix '-osus' (full of, abounding in). The term 'officium' itself stems from 'ob' (towards, opposite) and 'facere' (to do, to make). Over time, the English word 'officious' evolved to describe someone who is excessively eager to offer unwanted services or advice, often in an intrusive or meddlesome manner, thus acquiring a negative connotation distinct from its original Latin sense of being dutiful.
Words with similar origins include 'office' and 'official', both directly derived from the Latin 'officium'. Other words that share the Latin root 'facere' (to do, to make) include 'beneficent' (doing good) and 'maleficent' (doing evil).