Dictionary.com

offhand

[ awf-hand, of- ]
/ ˈɔfˈhænd, ˈɒf- /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: offhand / offhandedly on Thesaurus.com

adverb
cavalierly, curtly, or brusquely: to reply offhand.
without previous thought or preparation; extempore: to decide offhand to take a trip.
adjective
informal, casual, curt, or brusque: an offhand manner.
Also offhanded. done or made offhand.
Glassmaking. working manually and without the use of molds: offhand blowing.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of offhand

First recorded in 1685–95; off + hand

OTHER WORDS FROM offhand

off·hand·ed·ly, adverboff·hand·ed·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use offhand in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for offhand

offhand
/ (ˌɒfˈhænd) /

adjective, adverb Also: offhanded
without care, thought, or consideration; sometimes, brusque or ungraciousan offhand manner
without preparation or warning; impromptu

Derived forms of offhand

offhandedly, adverboffhandedness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK