offhand
awf-HAND
Offhand (adj) means Said or done without preparation or careful thought. Example: “He gave an offhand answer without checking the facts.”
adj
1
Said or done without preparation or careful thought.
"He gave an offhand answer without checking the facts."
2
Curt or dismissive in manner.
"Her offhand tone made him feel unwelcome."
adv
1
Without prior thought or preparation; off the top of one's head.
"I can't tell you the exact date offhand, but I'll check."
How to use offhand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaid or done casually, without preparation — or, said of manner, a bit curt.
Common pairings
offhand remark
off the top of my head
an offhand manner
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more offhand
- Superlative
- most offhand
Fill the gap
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He gave an _____ answer without checking the facts.
Etymology
From an old sense of "off hand" meaning done immediately, without planning ahead — as if the answer came straight off the hand rather than being carefully worked out.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “offhand” mean?
The word “offhand” means said or done without preparation or careful thought. In plain terms, said or done casually, without preparation — or, said of manner, a bit curt.
How do you pronounce “offhand”?
“Offhand” is pronounced awf-HAND (/ˌɔfˈhænd/ in IPA).
How do you use “offhand” in a sentence?
Here is “offhand” used in a sentence: “He gave an offhand answer without checking the facts.”
What is another word for “offhand”?
Words with a similar meaning to “offhand” include extemporaneous and off-the-cuff.
What part of speech is “offhand”?
Depending on how it is used, “offhand” can be an adjective and an adverb.
How many meanings does “offhand” have?
“Offhand” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: said or done without preparation or careful thought.
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