Explanation:

- Option 1: "It is parte and voluntary."

- This statement is vague. "Parte" is unclear, and while depositions may involve voluntary statements, they are official legal procedures and not always fully voluntary.

- Option 2: "It is evidence given by a witness under interrogatories, oral or written, and usually written down by an official person."

- This is the correct definition of a deposition. It involves testimony under oath, given out of court, often recorded by an official like a court reporter.

- Option 3: "It is the mere voluntary act of the party making the oath, and may be, and generally is, taken without the cognizance of the one against whom it is to be used."

- This is incorrect. Depositions require notice to the opposing party, who may attend and participate.

- Option 4: "Both (A) and (B)."

- This is incorrect because Option 1 is too vague and inaccurate.

The correct answer is Option 2.