official

Official is a term used to describe something related to an office, position, or public administration, or something that has been formally approved or authorized by a recognized authority. As an adjective, it connotes legitimacy, authority, and adherence to formal procedures. As a noun, it refers to a person who holds a public office or an official position within an organization, such as a government official or a civil servant.

The word originates from the Latin officialis, meaning pertaining to an office, via Old French and Middle English. The concept developed to emphasize formal roles, duties, and the authorized actions of institutions rather than informal or private arrangements.

In usage, official often designates origins in a legitimate authority: official documents carry signatures or seals, official statements come from a responsible body, and official policies reflect formal decision-making processes. It is commonly contrasted with unofficial or informal to mark sanctioned versus non-sanctioned activity. An official act or decision typically carries legal or administrative weight and may require compliance or accountability.

As a noun, an official is a person who holds an office or position within a government, corporation, or other organization. Plural usage, officials, refers to a group of such individuals. The term also appears in phrases like official language, official statistics, and official residence, where it signals formal designation or status by the institution involved.

Overall, official denotes formal authority, legitimacy, and adherence to established procedures within institutions and their operations.