DictionaryAI

officially

adverb
uh-FISH-uh-lee/əˈfɪʃəli/

2 meanings of officially

Practice

  1. 1
    formallyadverb
    In a formal way and with proper authority, or as the official rules or regulations set down.

    The new bridge will officially open to traffic on Monday morning.

    Officially, staff may not use their phones on the shop floor, but most of them do.

    UsageAt the start with a comma, Officially, often hints that real practice is different from the rules.

    Similarformally

    Oppositeunofficially

  2. 2
    completelyadverbslang
    To the fullest degree; thoroughly or completely.

    After three hours in line, I am officially done with this theme park.

    She watched all six seasons in a week and is now officially obsessed with the show.

    UsageUsually right before an adjective, often after am, is or are: officially done, officially obsessed. Playful, for casual talk.

    Similartotally, completely, absolutely, thoroughly

    Note

    This slang use borrows the authority of the formal meaning for comic effect: someone who is officially outraged has announced a feeling as if it were a ruling.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of officially apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

Formed from official and the adverb suffix -ly.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 2 facts