unofficially

Everyday

1. Unofficially means not in an official or formal way; not approved, announced or recorded by the people in charge. tree →
2. Unofficially can mean privately or secretly, before something is officially said. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday and school life: «unofficially, he's team captain», unofficial records, nicknames. In news: «unofficially, sources say». It tells the reader something is true or accepted but not formally approved yet.

Examples

• Unofficially, Mia is the class's best speller. tree →
• The race was unofficially timed with a phone. tree →
• He was unofficially in charge of the snacks. tree →
• Unofficially, the teacher said we'd get a longer break. tree →
• The hill is unofficially called Dragon's Back. tree →
• The record was set unofficially, so it doesn't count. tree →

Note

From «unofficial» + «-ly»; double f. Opposite: «officially». An unofficial record usually does not count in a competition.