- Today's Word
Officious
uh-FISH-uhs
Definition
- (adjective) Excessively eager to offer help or advice, often where it is not wanted; meddlesome.
Example
The officious receptionist constantly interrupted conversations to provide unsolicited opinions.
Fun Fact
“Officious” comes from the Latin officiosus, meaning “obliging” or “dutiful.” While its original sense was positive, the word’s modern meaning shifted toward unwanted or intrusive behavior. Its evolution mirrors how well-meaning actions can sometimes cross into annoyance.
(noun) The range of one’s knowledge, understanding, or awareness.
Quantum physics lies far beyond my ken, no matter how many articles I read.
Ken comes from Old English cennan, meaning “to know” or “to make known,” and is closely related to Middle English and Scots usage where it meant knowledge, perception, or recognition. Over time, the word narrowed to describe the limits of what someone knows or understands, which is why it’s often used today in phrases like “beyond my ken.”