What does ex officio mean Meaning and Definition
What does ex officio mean
Pronunciation
/ɛks ˈɒfɪsiː/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A position or title held by virtue of one’s office, profession, or position, rather than by express appointment or election.
Examples
- The president served ex officio as chairman of the board.
- The mayor held office ex officio, presiding over town council meetings.
Synonyms
- De jure
- Locus standi
Antonyms
- De facto
- Ad hoc
Etymology
The phrase “ex officio” originates from Latin, where “ex” means “from” or “out of” and “officio” means “office” or ” profession”. It originally referred to a power or authority derived from an office or profession.
Usage Notes
“Ex officio” is often used in formal contexts, such as government, law, or academia, to describe a position or role that is held by virtue of one’s office or profession.
Cultural References
The phrase “ex officio” has been featured in various forms of media, including films, literature, and television shows, often to describe situations where a character holds a position by virtue of their office or profession.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Ex officio” is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “serving ex officio” or “holding office ex officio.”
Related Words or Phrases
- De jure
- De facto
- Locus standi
Collocations
- Ex officio chairman
- Ex officio member
- Ex officio president
Frequency of Use
The phrase “ex officio” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is frequently used in formal contexts, such as in government, law, or academia.
Common Misspellings
- Ex oficially
- Ex officioally