offhand

[awf-hand, of-]

adverb

1. cavalierly, curtly, or brusquely.

   to reply offhand.

   Synonyms: abruptly, shortly, short

2. without previous thought or preparation; extempore.

   to decide offhand to take a trip.

adjective

1. informal, casual, curt, or brusque.

   an offhand manner.

   Synonyms: extempore, impromptu

2. Also offhanded. done or made offhand.

   Synonyms: extempore, impromptu
   Antonyms: considered

3. Glassmaking.,  working manually and without the use of molds.

   offhand blowing.

offhand

/ ˌɒfˈhænd /

adjective

1. without care, thought, or consideration; sometimes, brusque or ungracious

   an offhand manner

2. without preparation or warning; impromptu

Other Word Forms

• offhandedly adverb
• offhandedness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of offhand¹

First recorded in 1685–95; off + hand

Example Sentences

But I wasn’t making an offhand remark or comparing a group of people to a disease vector, as some accused me of doing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There’s outrage underneath every offhand remark and heartbreak in watching this fraying community turn on each other.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred caused a stir when he floated a potential seismic rule by floating, making an offhand comment about the golden batter rule.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This adds yet another moment to his archive of offhand imperial delusions.

Read more on Salon

The comment is offhand, meant to soothe rather than impress because Bifano works with the rich and famous every day as a master rosarian and garden designer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• casual 
• curt 
• easygoing 
• folksy 
• glib 
• perfunctory