Offhand: meaning, definitions and examples
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offhand
[ ˈɒfhænd ]
in a casual or informal manner
Done or made quickly and without much thought or preparation.
Synonyms
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.
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
- despreocupado
- de improviso
🇮🇳 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.
- ...
- 23088 etymological
- 23089 honed
- 23090 redistribute
- 23091 offhand
- 23092 sinning
- 23093 clit
- 23094 bilingualism
- ...