3 syllables: Of, fi, cial. Stress on fi.
uh-FISH-uhl
/əˈfɪʃəl/
Official is pronounced uh-FISH-uhl (/əˈfɪʃəl/). It has three syllables (Of-fi-cial), with the stress on "fi". Official is an adjective describing something formally approved or authorized, typically by an authority or governing body. It also denotes authority or belonging to the body that governs. In everyday use, it signals legitimacy, formal status, or mandate, as in official documents or official statements.
adjectiveOfficial is an adjective describing something formally approved or authorized, typically by an authority or governing body. It also denotes authority or belonging to the body that governs. In everyday use, it signals legitimacy, formal status, or mandate, as in official documents or official statements.
"The official seal confirms the document's authenticity."
"We received official notice of the policy change."
"Only the official spokesperson will address the media."
Pronounce it as /əˈfɪʃəl/ in US English and /ɒˈfɪʃ.əl/ in UK English. Put the main stress on the second syllable: o-FFICIAL. The first vowel is a schwa, then the stressed /ˈfɪ/ cluster, ending with /ʃəl/. Tip: tighten the lips for /ɪ/ and glide smoothly into /ʃ/ before the final /əl/. Audio reference: imagine saying 'uh-FISH-ul' with clear 'F' and 'SH' sounds.
Common errors include stressing the first syllable (o-FI-cial) or pronouncing it as /ˈɒfɪʃəl/ with an American-style rounded /ɒ/ throughout. Some speakers run the /ɪ/ into /ʃ/ (fiʃəl) or insert an extra syllable (offish-uhl). Correction: keep primary stress on the second syllable, use a short /ɪ/ for /ɪ/ rather than merging into /ʃ/; end with a clear /əl/ rather than a soft /l/ after a nasal. Practice saying: /əˈfɪʃəl/ with crisp consonants.
In US English, /əˈfɪʃəl/ with a schwa initial, rhotic r not present; in UK English, /ɒˈfɪʃ.əl/ with a short rounded /ɒ/ in the first vowel and non-rhotic (rless) ending; in Australian English, /əˈfɪʃ.əl/ with a mid-central initial vowel and similar non-rhoticity, but with slightly broader diphthongs in some regions. The second syllable maintains /ɪ/ and /ʃ/ across dialects; the main variation is the first vowel and some vowel length differences.
The challenge lies in the vowel sequence around the stressed /ɪ/ and the fast transition from /f/ to /ʃ/, plus a trailing /əl/ that can blur into a syllable like /əl/ or /l/. The schwa in the first syllable reduces emphasis, so you must maintain clear consonants before the /ɪ/; precise articulation of /f/ and /ʃ/ in rapid succession is key. Practice the sequence slowly, then accelerate while keeping the same tongue posture.
No; every letter carries a sound, though the initial syllable uses a reduced vowel. The first syllable has a schwa that sounds like a relaxed “uh” before a clear /ˈfɪ/. The ‘i’ is the short /ɪ/ vowel, not silent, and the final /l/ is pronounced with a light touch to avoid an overly dark L. Focus on making /f/ and /ʃ/ precise and keeping the /əl/ crisp.
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US: /əˈfɪʃəl/ with rhotic-less final; keep /ɪ/ bright, /f/ sharp, /ʃ/ steady. UK: /ɒˈfɪʃ.əl/ with shorter /ɒ/ and a non-rhotic /l/; AU: /əˈfɪʃ.əl/ similar to US but with a broader vowel in some regions and less pronounced rhotics. Vowel quality around /ɪ/ is central; /ʃ/ remains strong. IPA references: US /əˈfɪʃəl/, UK /ɒˈfɪʃ.əl/, AU /əˈfɪʃ.əl/. Tips: practice with minimal pairs that stress shift and vowel quality differences, like “official” vs “officially” to sense the rhythm change.
Official derives from Middle English officien, via Old French officiel, from Latin officialis, meaning ‘of duty or office,’ from officium ‘duty, service.’ The root offic- relates to an official duty or service, connected to offices and assignments within a governing structure. Over time, the term broadened from meaning pertaining to an office or duty to describing things authorized or approved by those offices. In Early Modern English, official began to denote recognized authority and formal status, particularly in state or church administration. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the word expanded into general usage to label documents, acts, statements, and procedures that bear the mark of formal authorization. The word’s semantic field thus shifted from strictly relating to an office or duty to a broader sense of legitimacy, formality, and governance, while retaining its primary association with authority and sanctioned actions.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Official" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Official" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Official"
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