offhand

American  

[awf-hand, of-] / ˈɔfˈhænd, ˈɒf- /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˌɒfˈhænd /

adjective

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

   an offhand manner

2. without preparation or warning; impromptu

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Other Word Forms

• offhandedly adverb
• offhandedness noun

Etymology

Origin of offhand

First recorded in 1685–95; off + hand

Explanation

The adjective offhand describes a remark or comment that is made without previous thought or preparation. If you are at a wedding, you may want to make a few offhand but nice remarks about the newlyweds. As an adjective, offhand can mean careless, brusque, or inconsiderate. You may frequently have to remind young children that offhand comments about people's looks or intelligence can hurt their feelings. Offhand can also be used as an adverb, meaning without thought or planning. You may not be able to say offhand, but do you have any idea how many people are in your class at school?

Example Sentences

Her nagging conscience slips into offhand conversation: “I should probably be vegan,” Askell, an animal lover too busy for a pet, says when chatting in an office elevator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proved my point for me with an offhand comment at Davos.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Ward’s section is easily recognizable as his work in its mix of the uncanny and the offhand, both from “Adventure Time” and the psychedelic “Midnight Gospel.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

Lutnick said he expected Trump to sign documents in the coming days to formalise the decision, which the president revealed in an offhand remark at a televised meeting of his cabinet.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025

His position was not much better than mine and I knew that he was uneasy and insecure; he had always treated me in an offhand, bantering way that barely concealed his contempt.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

Related Words

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