officious

of·fi·cious (ə fis̸h′əs)

adjective

Obsolete ready to serve; obliging
offering unnecessary and unwanted advice or services; meddlesome, esp. in a highhanded or overbearing way
in diplomacy, unofficial or informal

Etymology: L officiosus < officium, office

of·fi′·ciously adverb of·fi′·cious·ness noun

modif.

Modifies a noun

official: After 1/2 h officious official tells us that ' nose coverings ' aren't allowed.
man: He was aware of officious men opening a door before him.
referee: All it would take was an officious referee for there to be potentially explosive results.
manner: Our nervous laughter was cut short by his officious manner!
attention: The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, of officious attention.
officer: He is one of the only members of staff to be on Meg's side against more officious officers.

Modifying Another Word

very: King Henry's Fort was considerably enlarged by Charles II when the Dutch fleet were making themselves very officious in the Thames and Medway.
rather: It turned out that the usual " guard " on that duty was a rather officious elderly dragon of a conductress.
over: Alan Quinn The only thing that spoiled the evening's entertainment was the attitude of referee Paul Danson who was over officious throughout.

Browse dictionary entries near officious