C2 relating to a position of responsibility:
He visited China in his official capacity as America's trade representative.
Opposite
C2 If a piece of information is official, it has been announced publicly with authority:
Their engagement is now official.
More examples
- Before buying a pram, make sure that it conforms to the official safety standards.
- The president's official visit marks the start of a more fraternal relationship between the two countries.
- The rebels regard the official parliament as illegitimate.
- Several eyewitnesses' accounts differed considerably from the official version of events.
- The remit of this official inquiry is to investigate the reasons for the accident.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Organizations - position & status
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
C2 a person who has a position of responsibility in an organization:
a government/trade-union/council official
More examples
- The whole system was corrupt - every official she approached wanted money before helping her.
- An official from the Department of Health will be inspecting the restaurant this afternoon.
- The customs official beckoned the woman to his counter.
- The information was given by a Vatican official.
- Senior government officials will be attending a meeting tomorrow.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
