Select the option closest in meaning to the underlined word:-
'You can't enter the building without showing your identity card', said the officious little man at the reception door.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Intrusive
Officious describes a person who is too eager to give orders or use a small amount of authority, often interfering where he is not wanted. The little man at the reception door who insists on the identity card is showing off his small power. Its synonym is intrusive.
Example: An officious clerk made us fill in the same form three times.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Intrusive (answer) | pushing oneself into other people's affairs in an unwelcome way (an officious person interferes and imposes himself on others) | The reporters asked intrusive questions about her family. |
| (2) Impetuous | acting quickly without thinking (the man is following a rule, not acting on a sudden impulse) | His impetuous decision to quit his job worried his parents. |
| (3) Vicious | cruel or violent (being fussy about an identity card is not cruelty) | The vicious dog had to be kept on a chain. |
| (4) Respectful | showing politeness and regard (an officious manner is the opposite of humble respect) | The students were respectful towards the visiting scientist. |
| Synonyms of officious: intrusive, meddlesome, interfering, bossy Antonyms of officious: unobtrusive, discreet, retiring, self-effacing Also asked in CUET (UG): officious – 24-05-2026 Slot 1 intrusive – 19-05-2025 Slot 1 impetuous – 19-05-2026 Slot 1, 27-05-2025 Slot 1, 26-05-2025 Slot 1, 23-05-2025 Slot 1, 13-05-2025 Slot 1, 19-07-2024 Slot 1, 08-06-2023 Slot 3, 30-05-2023 Slot 2 |