officialese (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/əˈfɪʃ.əl.iːz/

Meaning and Usage

"Officialese" refers to the specialized language used in official communications, characterized by its formal tone, jargon, and often convoluted phrasing. It is commonly found in government documents, legal texts, and bureaucratic communications. The frequency of use for "officialese" tends to be higher in written contexts rather than oral speech, as it is often utilized in formal written communication.

Example Sentences

1. The report was so full of officialese that the average reader found it almost impossible to understand.

2. Translation: Этот отчет был так полномасштабным, что среднему читателю было практически невозможно понять его.

3. Many people criticize officialese for being unnecessarily complicated and inaccessible to the public.

4. Translation: Многие люди критикуют официальный язык за ненужную сложность и недоступность для общественности.

5. To improve transparency, the agency was encouraged to reduce its use of officialese in public statements.

6. Translation: Для улучшения прозрачности агентству было рекомендовано сократить использование официального языка в публичных заявлениях.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Officialese" is often used in discussions about communication in bureaucratic settings, and while it is not typically part of idiomatic expressions, it can yield to expressions related to bureaucracy, formality, and clarity. Below are example sentences that reflect the atmosphere surrounding "officialese":

1. In times of crisis, the public often wishes officials would speak plainly rather than in officialese.

2. Translation: В кризисные времена общественность часто желает, чтобы официальные лица говорили просто, а не на официальном языке.

3. The meeting was filled with a lot of officialese, making it difficult to grasp the key points.

4. Translation: На встрече было много официального языка, что затрудняло понимание основных моментов.

5. His communication style is often criticized for being overly reliant on officialese without conveying any real message.

6. Translation: Его стиль общения часто критикуется за чрезмерную зависимость от официального языка без передачи какой-либо реальной информации.

Etymology

The word "officialese" is a combination of "official," which traces its roots to the Latin "officialis," meaning "pertaining to an office or duty," and the suffix "-ese," which is used to denote a language or dialect. This formation suggests a language style that belongs uniquely to official contexts.

Synonyms

• Bureaucratic language
• Jargon
• Technical language
• Administrative language

Antonyms

• Plain language
• Colloquial language
• Informal speech
• Everyday language

In summary, "officialese" serves a distinct function within the realm of formal communication, embodying a particular style that may enhance clarity for those familiar with its conventions, while potentially alienating those who are not.