The spelling of the phrase "official publication" is fairly straightforward. "Official" is spelled /əˈfɪʃəl/ (uh-FISH-uhl), with the stress on the second syllable. "Publication" is spelled /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/ (pub-li-KAY-shuhn), with the stress on the third syllable. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /əˈfɪʃəl pʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/ (uh-FISH-uhl pub-li-KAY-shuhn), with equal stress on both words. This phrase refers to a document or book that has been officially authorized or sanctioned for publication by a government agency or other authoritative source.
Official publication refers to a document or material that is authorized, approved, and distributed by a government body, organization, or entity. It serves as a formal and legitimate source of information for the public in matters related to policies, laws, regulations, guidelines, announcements, reports, and other official matters.
Typically, an official publication is published by an authoritative body or institution with the purpose of disseminating information to the public, ensuring transparency, accountability, and providing access to legally binding materials. It may appear in various formats, such as print, digital, or online, and may be issued periodically, regularly, or on an ad hoc basis, depending on the nature of the content and the organization responsible for its publication.
These publications often cover a wide range of subjects, including legal acts, government proceedings, court decisions, public notices, public contracts, public policies, and statistical data, among others. They are critical for citizens, researchers, journalists, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to stay informed about the activities, decisions, and developments within government and organizational frameworks.
Official publications carry a significant degree of authority since they are deemed credible and trustworthy due to their source, validation, and alignment with established regulations and guidelines. They hold the status of official records, reflecting the formal stance of the issuing institution and often requiring compliance, adherence, or reference in legal or administrative contexts. Thus, official publications play a pivotal role in preserving and upholding the principles of governmental transparency, accountability, and access to information.
The etymology of the word "official" can be traced back to the late 14th century from the Old French word "official", which meant "person exercising authority". This term was derived from the Latin word "officialis", meaning "of or pertaining to duty, service, or office".
Similarly, the word "publication" originated from the Latin word "publicare", which meant "to make public". It is derived from the Latin word "publicus", meaning "public".
When these two words are combined, the phrase "official publication" indicates a document or material that is authorized, endorsed, or released by a person or organization in a position of authority to be made public.