Question

Choose the correct meaning of the phrase.
Ex officio
A) By virtue of previously held position
B) Former official
C) By virtue of one’s status
D) Outside the office

Answer 1

Hint:A phrase is a group of words that express a concept and is used as a unit within a sentence. Eight common types of phrases are: noun, verb, gerund, infinitive, appositive, participial, prepositional, and absolute.

Complete answer:
The meaning of the phrase Ex officio member is a member of a body (notably a board, committee, council) who is part of it by virtue of holding another office. The term ex officio is Latin, meaning literally 'from the office', and the sense intended is 'by right of office'.
Option A) By virtue of previously held position – is an incorrect answer because the ex officio is related to the official position but not the virtue position. And the meaning of virtue is goodness or righteousness. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Former official – is an incorrect answer because ‘former’ means prior or earlier and this is not the best fit in the meaning of the ex officio. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) By virtue of one’s status – is the correct answer because 'Ex officio' means because of a person's position in a formal group. E.g. The cabinet members will also attend the meeting ex-officio. 'By virtue of one' status' means because of one's official position. Thus, this is the correct meaning of the phrase Ex officio and the correct answer.
Option D) Outside the office – is an incorrect answer because ‘outside the office’ means that you are not at your usual workplace, especially if you are not there at a time when you normally would be. An example of out of office is when you go on vacation and take a week off work.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘ C’.

Note:The meaning of phrase ex officio is ‘By virtue of one’s status’ and option C is the most appropriate answer as compared to the other options.