Off: meaning, definitions and examples

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off

[ɔːf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

turn off

To stop the operation or flow of something, especially a machine or device.

Synonyms

deactivate, power off, shut down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
off	Used to indicate that something is not operating or is disengaged. Generally informal and can apply to a wide range of items. The light is off The TV has been off all day
shut down	Often used for computers and larger systems. Implies a complete cessation of operations and can occasionally carry a more serious or final tone. Please shut down the computer before you leave The factory will be shut down for maintenance next week
power off	Best used when referring specifically to electronic devices and appliances. Implies turning off completely and safely. Make sure to power off your computer before unplugging it Remember to power off your smartphone during takeoff and landing
deactivate	Appropriate in more technical or formal contexts when turning off security systems, alarms, accounts, or applications. He had to deactivate his social media account The alarm is deactivated when you enter the correct code

Examples of usage

Please remember to turn off the lights before leaving the room.
I always turn off my phone during meetings to avoid distractions.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

off the mark

Not accurate or correct; incorrect or mistaken.

Synonyms

inaccurate, incorrect, wrong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
off	This term is often used to describe something that is not functioning correctly or is not aligned with expectations. It can also mean something that feels unusual or different. The milk smells off The schedule is off by an hour
inaccurate	Use this word when referring to data, measurements, information, or statements that lack precision or are not exact. The report is inaccurate Your calculation is inaccurate
incorrect	This term is appropriate when indicating that something is factually wrong or mistaken. It often refers to answers, information, or data. Your answer is incorrect The information you provided is incorrect
wrong	This word has a broad application and is used to describe something that is not right or is incorrect. It can also convey a stronger, sometimes negative, connotation implying a fault or mistake. Something is wrong with the car You're holding the tool the wrong way

Examples of usage

The weather forecast was completely off the mark.
His estimate was way off the mark.

^{Context #3 | Preposition}

off the coast

At some distance from the coast, usually referring to the sea or ocean.

Synonyms

adjacent, alongside, nearby.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
off	This word is used to indicate separation or removal from a position, location, or state. It can also express a condition where something is deactivated or not operating. He turned off the light before leaving the room. The cat jumped off the table. She's taking a day off from work.
nearby	This word is used to describe something that is close by in distance but not necessarily right next to something else. It is often used in a casual context. There is a park nearby where we can have a picnic. Do you know any good restaurants nearby?
alongside	Typically used to indicate being right next to or parallel to something. It can describe both physical proximity and abstract concepts like working together. The boat sailed alongside the coast. She worked alongside her mentor to complete the project.
adjacent	Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe something that is directly next to something else with no space in between. The library is adjacent to the science building. They live in adjacent apartments.

Examples of usage

The ship was sailing off the coast of California.
They discovered a new species of fish off the coast of Australia.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from Old English 'of', which means 'from' or 'away'.
The term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its meaning related to separation or disconnection.
In Middle English, it began to be used more broadly to indicate stopping or ceasing an action.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'off the wall' is often used to denote something that is unconventional or surprising.
In popular music, a lot of songs explore themes around things being 'off' – think about songs that discuss relationships going wrong.
The character 'Offred' in Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' embodies themes of disconnection and societal removal.

Psychology

Feeling 'off' can refer to emotional states where one feels out of balance or not themselves.
In therapy, recognizing when something feels 'off' can be the first step in understanding personal challenges.
Cognitive dissonance can make people feel 'off' when their beliefs contradict their actions.

Everyday Use

In everyday language, 'off' can describe times when food is no longer fresh – like saying milk is 'off'.
When someone says they're 'off to work', they mean they're leaving for their job.
People often say they're 'off the grid' to indicate they're living without modern technology or outside of society.

Technology

In technology, switching devices 'off' can save battery life or temporarily disable functions.
The term 'off' is crucial in programming to indicate a state where processes are halted or not in use.
User interfaces often use 'on' and 'off' toggle switches for user control over settings.

Translations

Translations of the word "off" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desligado

🇮🇳 बंद

🇩🇪 aus

🇮🇩 mati

🇺🇦 вимкнений

🇵🇱 wyłączony

🇯🇵 オフ

🇫🇷 éteint

🇪🇸 apagado

🇹🇷 kapalı

🇰🇷 꺼짐

🇸🇦 مغلق

🇨🇿 vypnuto

🇸🇰 vypnutý

🇨🇳 关闭

🇸🇮 izklopljeno

🇮🇸 af

🇰🇿 өшірулі

🇬🇪 გამორთული

🇦🇿 söndürüldü

🇲🇽 apagado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #155, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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152 above
153 second
154 called
155 off
156 means
157 data
158 having
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