Background for officialese
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officialese

/əfɪʃəˈliːz/

Meanings
noun
The typical language of officials or official documents; legalistic and pompous language.

Examples :

"The contract was full of officialese, making it difficult to understand the simple terms of employment. "
language government politics writing communication style law

Related Words

Illustration typical

typical noun

/ˈtɪpɪkl̩/

Anything that is typical, normal, or standard.

"Among the moths, typicals were more common than melanics."

Illustration understand

understand verb

/ˌɞndəɹˈstand/ /(ˌ)ʌndəˈstænd/ /ˌʌndɚˈstænd/

To grasp a concept fully and thoroughly, especially (of words, statements, art, etc.) to be aware of the meaning of and (of people) to be aware of the intent of.

"My teacher explained the new math concept, and I understood it perfectly. "

Illustration employment

employment noun

/ɛmˈplɔɪmənt/

The work or occupation for which one is used, and often paid

"My father's employment as a carpenter provides for our family. "

Illustration language

language noun

[ˈleɪŋɡwɪd͡ʒ]

A body of words, and set of methods of combining them (called a grammar), understood by a community and used as a form of communication.

"Deaf and mute people communicate using languages like ASL."

Illustration making

making noun

/ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

The act of forming, causing, or constituting; workmanship; construction.

"The intricate making of the model airplane showcased the student's skill. "

Illustration legalistic

legalistic adjective

/ˌliːɡəˈlɪstɪk/

Of a person, following the letter of the law.

"The teacher's legalistic interpretation of the school rules meant even minor infractions resulted in strict punishments. "

Illustration documents

documents noun

/ˈdɒkjʊmənts/ /ˈdɑkjəmənts/

An original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support.

"The school required all students to submit their application documents to prove their enrollment. "

Illustration official

official noun

/əˈfɪʃəl/

An office holder invested with powers and authorities.

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

Illustration officials

officials noun

/əˈfɪʃəlz/

An office holder invested with powers and authorities.

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

Illustration pompous

pompous adjective

/ˈpɒmpəs/ /ˈpɑmpəs/

Affectedly grand, solemn or self-important.

"The teacher's pronouncements about the upcoming test were pompous; she spoke as if her every word held the fate of the class in its hands. "

Illustration difficult

difficult verb

/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/

To make difficult; to impede; to perplex.

"The complicated instructions on the new software difficult me from completing the project on time. "

Illustration contract

contract noun

/ˈkɒntɹækt/ /ˈkɑntɹækt/ /kənˈtɹækt/

An agreement between two or more parties, to perform a specific job or work order, often temporary or of fixed duration and usually governed by a written agreement.

"Marriage is a contract."