What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
officious
Example
The officious waiter kept interrupting our conversation to ask if we needed anything else. [officious: adjective]
Example
She was being officious by trying to take over the project without being asked. [officious: adjective]
bossy
Example
My boss is so bossy, she always tells us what to do without listening to our ideas. [bossy: adjective]
Example
He was being too bossy by insisting that we follow his plan instead of considering other options. [bossy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bossy is more commonly used than officious in everyday language. Bossy is a more straightforward term that is easily understood by most people, while officious is less common and may not be familiar to everyone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between officious and bossy?
Both officious and bossy are informal terms that are best avoided in formal settings. However, officious may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less common usage and more neutral connotation.
