Offhand: meaning, definitions and examples

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offhand

 

[ ˈɒfhænd ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

in a casual or informal manner

Done or made quickly and without much thought or preparation.

Synonyms

casual, informal, spontaneous

Examples of usage

  • I can't give you a precise figure offhand, but I think it's around $1000.
  • She answered offhand, without really thinking about the question.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a casual or spontaneous manner

Without previous thought or preparation; impromptu.

Synonyms

casually, impromptu, spontaneously

Examples of usage

  • He decided offhand to go for a walk instead of staying in.
  • She made the decision offhand, without consulting anyone.

Translations

Translations of the word "offhand" in other languages:

🇵🇹 improvisado

🇮🇳 तुरंत

🇩🇪 unüberlegt

🇮🇩 tanpa persiapan

🇺🇦 експромтом

🇵🇱 bez namysłu

🇯🇵 即興で (sokkyō de)

🇫🇷 improvisé

🇪🇸 improvisado

🇹🇷 hazırlıksız

🇰🇷 즉석에서 (jeukseog-eseo)

🇸🇦 مرتجل

🇨🇿 improvizovaný

🇸🇰 improvizovaný

🇨🇳 即兴 (jíxìng)

🇸🇮 na hitro

🇮🇸 af handahófi

🇰🇿 ойланбай

🇬🇪 სპონტანური

🇦🇿 düşünmədən

🇲🇽 improvisado

Etymology

The word 'offhand' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'off' and 'hand'. The concept of doing something quickly or without much thought has been present in various cultures and languages throughout history. The use of 'offhand' to describe actions done in a casual or spontaneous manner has become common in modern English.

See also: backhand, deckhand, forehand, hand, handbag, handball, handbook, handbreadth, handcrafted, handcrafting, handcuffs, handful, handgun, handheld, handicap, handicapped, handily, handiwork, handkerchief, handle, handled, handler, handles, handling, handmade, handmake, handover, handpicked, handrail, hands, handwarmer, handwear, handwriting, handy, handycam, handyman, handyperson, openhandedly, shorthand.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,091, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.