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Offhand Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค”
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offhand

[หˆษ’fhรฆnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a casual or informal manner

Done or made quickly and without much thought or preparation.

Synonyms

casual, informal, spontaneous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
offhand

Used to describe a remark, comment, or behavior that is made without previous thought or preparation and may seem impolite or dismissive.

  • She made an offhand comment about the meeting, not realizing it could offend others.
  • His offhand attitude made it seem like he didn't care.
casual

Typically used to describe something relaxed and not formal, often referring to conversations, clothing, or events.

  • We had a casual chat over coffee.
  • He prefers to wear casual clothes on the weekend.
informal

Refers to a relaxed and unofficial manner in speech, writing, or social interactions, which is acceptable in friendly or familiar settings.

  • The dinner was an informal gathering of friends.
  • He gave an informal speech at the office party.
spontaneous

Describes something that happens or is done suddenly without planning, often resulting in a lively or unpredictable atmosphere.

  • Her spontaneous decision to take a road trip surprised everyone.
  • The spontaneous applause from the audience was a pleasant surprise.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
offhand

This word is typically used when someone says something without preparation or without much thought, often in a slightly dismissive or unconsidered way. It can have a negative connotation.

  • He made an offhand comment about her dress that she didn't appreciate.
  • The manager gave an offhand response to the question, which left the employees feeling uncertain.
spontaneously

This is used to describe actions that occur naturally without premeditation, often driven by a sudden impulse or inner motivation.

  • She spontaneously decided to take a trip to the mountains.
  • The crowd spontaneously started singing the national anthem.
impromptu

This word is used when something is done without any preparation or planning, often spontaneously. It usually refers to speeches, performances, or actions taken on the spot.

  • He gave an impromptu speech at the meeting that everyone found inspiring.
  • The band played an impromptu concert in the park.
casually

This is used when something is done in a relaxed, informal manner without seriousness. It often implies that something is done without much effort or concern.

  • She mentioned casually that she had lived abroad for several years.
  • They chatted casually about their weekend plans.

Examples of usage

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

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, offhand comments may be considered rude or dismissive, while in others, they are seen as friendly and informal.
  • The prevalence of offhand remarks has increased with social media, where quick comments can easily be misinterpreted.
  • Writers often use offhand dialogues to develop characters that appear nonchalant or indifferent.

Psychology

  • Offhand comments can reveal underlying attitudes or beliefs that the speaker may not consciously express.
  • In group settings, offhand remarks can influence the dynamics of conversation, often steering discussions without intention.
  • Research suggests that casual, offhand comments can impact social bonds, sometimes positively and other times negatively.

Literature

  • Many authors use offhand dialogue to showcase a character's personality, highlighting their laid-back or careless nature.
  • In classic literature, offhand remarks often serve as subtle indicators of social status or character relationships.
  • The use of offhand remarks is common in comedic narratives, where humor arises from unexpected casualness.

Communication

  • In verbal communication, offhand comments can be both engaging and dangerous; they can spark new ideas or offend without warning.
  • Psychologists warn that people often misinterpret offhand remarks, leading to misunderstandings in conversations.
  • Nonverbal cues accompanying offhand comments, such as tone and body language, play a significant role in how they're perceived.

Origin of 'offhand'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'offhand' originated in the 15th century, initially referring to something done without preparation.
  • It combines 'off' and 'hand,' with 'off' suggesting a distance and 'hand' relating to action or help.
  • Over time, its meaning expanded to include casual remarks that lack depth or thoughtfulness.

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.