offset

American  

[awf-set, of-, awf-set, of-] / ˈɔfˌsɛt, ˈɒf-, ˌɔfˈsɛt, ˌɒf- /

noun

1. something that counterbalances, counteracts, or compensates for something else; compensating equivalent.

2. the start, beginning, or outset.

   Synonyms:

   onset

3. a short lateral shoot by which certain plants are propagated.

4. an offshoot or branch of a specific population or family.

5. any offshoot; branch.

6. Also called offset lithography.  Also called offset printing,.  Lithography.

   1. a process in which a lithographic stone or metal or paper plate is used to make an inked impression on a rubber blanket that transfers it to the paper being printed, instead of being made directly on the paper.

   2. the impression itself.

7. Also called setoff.  Printing. an unintentional transfer of excess or undried ink from one printed sheet to another.

8. Geology.

   1. (in faults) the magnitude of displacement between two previously aligned bodies.

   2. a spur of a mountain range.

9. Machinery. a jog or short displacement in an otherwise straight and continuous line, as in a pipe, lever, or rod, made to avoid objects or to connect with other parts.

10. Architecture. setoff.

11. Surveying.

    1. a short distance measured perpendicularly from a main survey line.

    2. Also called offset line.  a line a short distance from and parallel to a main survey line.

12. Naval Architecture. any of the coordinates by which any point on a hull being planned is located.

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adjective

1. of, noting, or pertaining to an offset.

2. Lithography. pertaining to, printed by, or suitable for printing by offset.

3. placed away from a center line; off-center.

4. placed at an angle to something, as to the axis of a form, shape, or object; not parallel.

verb (used with object)

offset, offsetting

1. to counterbalance as an equivalent does; compensate for.

   The gains offset the losses.

   Synonyms:

   counteract, counterpoise, counterweight, parallel, match

2. to juxtapose with something else, as for purposes of comparison.

   to offset advantages against disadvantages.

3. Printing.

   1. to make an offset of.

   2. to print by the process of offset lithography.

4. Architecture. to build with a setoff, as a wall.

5. Surveying. to establish (a line) parallel to a main survey line at an offset.

verb (used without object)

offset, offsetting

1. to project as an offset or branch.

2. to counterbalance or compensate.

3. Printing. to make an offset.

offset British  

noun

1. something that counterbalances or compensates for something else

2. an allowance made to counteract some effect

3. 1. a printing method in which the impression is made onto an intermediate surface, such as a rubber blanket, which transfers it to the paper

   2. (modifier) relating to, involving, or printed by offset

      offset letterpress

      offset lithography

4. another name for set-off

5. botany

   1. a short runner in certain plants, such as the houseleek, that produces roots and shoots at the tip

   2. a plant produced from such a runner

6. a ridge projecting from a range of hills or mountains

7. the horizontal component of displacement on a fault

8. a narrow horizontal or sloping surface formed where a wall is reduced in thickness towards the top

9. a person or group descended collaterally from a particular group or family; offshoot

10. surveying a measurement of distance to a point at right angles to a survey line

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verb

1. (tr) to counterbalance or compensate for

2. (tr) to print (pictures, text, etc) using the offset process

3. (tr) to construct an offset in (a wall)

4. (intr) to project or develop as an offset

offset Scientific  

/ ôf′sĕt′ /

1. A shoot that develops laterally at the base of a plant, often rooting to form a new plant. Many succulents and cacti are propagated by removing offsets and planting them elsewhere.

2. See more at vegetative reproduction

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Etymology

Origin of offset

First recorded in 1545–55; after verb phrase set off

Explanation

When you offset something—say, the price of gas—you find a way to make up for it. My new car's ability to get fifty miles per gallon offset the rise in the price of gas. Offset functions as both a noun and a verb. Okay, let's talk turkey. The Duke's lack of height was offset by his enormous wig. Even without shoes, he towered above most people, because his wig alone was five feet tall. The cost of the wig—close to $10,000—was easily offset by its quality: it was worth every cent. The inconvenience of the blizzard was offset by the joy of not having to go to school or work—or even get out of bed. The joy was what you might call an offset.

Example Sentences

In early March, seven major AI sector players pledged to offset their electricity consumption by investing in new power generation -- though critics say voluntary commitments fall short of what is needed.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Though many raised prices, they often did not increase them by enough to fully offset the tariff expense.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Sales fell 6% as strong growth in the U.S. and Europe only partially offset a hefty sales drop in China, and challenging macroeconomic and market conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Any remaining proceeds — due to the difference between the rate on Treasurys and the anticipated return on risky investments — could be used to offset a tiny portion of the Treasury’s $25 trillion borrowing.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

His intense feelings were offset by tentativeness, though.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• balance
• cancel out
• counteract
• equal
• negate
• neutralize
• outweigh