noun
Common
offset
OF-seht
Offset (noun) means something that balances out or compensates for something else. Example: “The pay cut was partly an offset for the shorter hours.”
noun
1
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
1
To counterbalance or compensate for something, typically by an opposite effect.
"Planting trees can offset some of the pollution caused by flying."
"The shop hopes extra weekend sales will offset the cost of the repairs."
"The bonus helped offset the disappointment of the smaller raise."
How to use offset
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- offsets
- Third person singular
- offsets
- Past tense
- offsetted
- Comparative
- more offset
- Superlative
- most offset
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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cancel out
neutralize
negate
counterweight
make up for
nullify
cancel
countervail
compensate for
counterbalance
equivalence
offlay
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “offset” mean?
The word “offset” means something that balances out or compensates for something else. In plain terms, something that cancels out or balances another effect, or the act of doing that balancing.
How do you pronounce “offset”?
“Offset” is pronounced OF-seht (/ˈɔf.sɛt/ in IPA).
How do you use “offset” in a sentence?
Here is “offset” used in a sentence: “The pay cut was partly an offset for the shorter hours.”
What is another word for “offset”?
Words with a similar meaning to “offset” include compensate for, counterbalance, countervail, equivalence, offlay and offstand.
What is the opposite of “offset”?
The opposite of “offset” — its antonyms — are surmount, overcome, overpoise and overpower.
What part of speech is “offset”?
Depending on how it is used, “offset” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “offset” a common word?
“Offset” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “offset” have?
“Offset” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that balances out or compensates for something else.
What is the past tense of "offset"?
The past tense and past participle of "offset" are both "offset"; the word does not change form. For example, "rising costs offset the gains last year" and "the loss was offset by savings."
What is the difference between "offset" and "onset"?
"Offset" means to counterbalance or compensate for something, while "onset" means the beginning or start of something, such as the onset of winter. Despite looking similar, the two words are unrelated in meaning.
What is a "carbon offset"?
A "carbon offset" is a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions made in one place to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. It uses the core sense of "offset" as balancing one thing against another.
Is "offset" written as one word or two?
"Offset" is written as one word, whether it is used as a noun (a tax offset) or a verb (to offset costs). Writing it as "off set" is incorrect.
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