officer

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A person who holds a position of authority in an organization, especially a company or government body.

   Grammar: Countable noun; use 'an officer' or 'officers'. Often followed by 'of' or 'in' to name the organization.

   Patterns

   • officer of something
   • officer in something
   • a senior officer
   • a company officer

   She was appointed chief financial officer of the company last year.

   The officers of the charity meet once a month to review spending.

   A government officer explained the new rules to the residents.

2. 2nouncountable

   A member of a police force, especially one below the rank of detective or sergeant.

   Grammar: Countable; often used as a title before a name, e.g., 'Officer Smith'.

   Patterns

   • police officer
   • a uniformed officer
   • officer on duty

   A police officer stopped the car to check the driver's license.

   The officer on duty took my statement about the stolen bike.

   Officer Jones will show you where to park.

3. 3nouncountablemilitary

   A person who commands or holds a rank in the armed forces, especially a commissioned rank.

   Grammar: Countable; often used with a rank, e.g., 'a naval officer'.

   Patterns

   • military officer
   • a commanding officer
   • officer in the army

   He served as an officer in the navy for ten years.

   The commanding officer gave the order to advance.

   She was promoted to the rank of officer last spring.

4. 4verbtransitiverare

   To provide with officers or staff, especially for a ship or organization.

   Grammar: Takes an object: officer a ship.

   Patterns

   • officer something
   • officer a vessel

   The company was well officered by experienced managers.

   They officered the new ship with a full crew.

Word forms

Common combinations

police officer

The police officer directed traffic at the busy intersection.

chief executive officer

The chief executive officer announced the merger.

commanding officer

The commanding officer inspected the troops.

officer of the law

As an officer of the law, she must uphold justice.

officer on duty

The officer on duty responded to the emergency call.

Synonyms and how they differ

official

A person holding a public office; 'officer' often implies a more active or uniformed role, while 'official' is broader and often bureaucratic.

executive

A senior manager in a business; 'officer' is more formal and often implies a specific legal or titled position.

commander

A military leader; 'officer' is a general term for any commissioned rank, while 'commander' is a specific rank or role.

Word family

officership noun

The state or position of being an officer.

officiate verb

To perform the duties of an official, especially at a ceremony.

official adjective

Relating to an official position or approved by authority.

Commonly confused: officer or official?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “officer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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