How to Pronounce Official

To pronounce "official", say off-IC-ial — 3 syllables, IPA /əˈfɪʃəɫ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

official

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/əˈfɪʃəɫ/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/əfˈɪʃəl/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “official”

Break "official" into 3 beats and lean on "IC" — that's the stressed one. It rhymes with superficial and beneficial, if that helps it stick.

What does official mean?

noun

  1. An office holder invested with powers and authorities.

    “David Barnes was the official charged with the running of the sports club.”

  2. A person responsible for applying the rules of a game or sport in a competition.

    “In most soccer games there are three officials: the referee and two linesmen.”

adjective

  1. Of or pertaining to an office or public trust.

    “official duties”

  2. Derived from the proper office or officer, or from the proper authority; made or communicated by virtue of authority

    “an official statement or report”

Antonyms

unofficial

Hear “official” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with official

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

superficialbeneficialartificialjudicialprejudicialinitialunofficialsacrificialbischelfischelfishelfishell

Related words

functionaryauthoritativeformalauthorizedconfirmedregularestablishedsemiofficial

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "official"?▾

"Official" has 3 syllables: off · ic · ial.

What is the IPA transcription of "official"?▾

The IPA transcription of "official" is /əˈfɪʃəɫ/.

What does "official" mean?▾

Official: An office holder invested with powers and authorities.

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