noun

offset

OF-seht

noun

Something that balances out or compensates for something else.

"The pay cut was partly an offset for the shorter hours."

"The company buys carbon offsets to reduce its environmental impact."

verb

To counterbalance or compensate for something, typically by an opposite effect.

"The bonus helped offset the disappointment of the smaller raise."

How to Use Offset

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that cancels out or balances another effect, or the act of doing that balancing.

Common pairings

offset the cost carbon offset offset losses

Word Forms

more offset comparative, more offset comparative, offset past tense, offsetted past tense, offsets plural, offsets singular, most offset superlative, most offset superlative

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The pay cut was partly an _____ for the shorter hours.

Etymology

From off plus set, built to form the noun version of the phrase "to set off" (in the sense of counterbalancing).

Synonyms

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compensate for counterbalance countervail equivalence offlay offstand set off

Antonyms

surmount overcome overpoise overpower

Related Words

activate drunk leave overcome balance defeat counteract explode

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