How Do You Spell OFF-HAND?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒfhˈand] (IPA)

Off-hand is a phrase that means immediate or spontaneous. The pronunciation of this word is /ˌɒfˈhænd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is spelled as two separate words, 'off' and 'hand', with the emphasis on the first syllable of 'off'. The word 'off' means away from something, while the word 'hand' refers to the part of the body at the end of the arm, used for grasping and holding things. When combined, the phrase off-hand suggests doing or saying something without prior planning or consideration.

OFF-HAND Meaning and Definition

  1. Off-hand (adjective):

    1. Without previous thought or preparation; impromptu; extemporaneous: An off-hand response.

    2. Without deliberation; casual; informal: An off-hand remark.

    3. With ease and competence; effortlessly: She tossed off-hand remarks with grace.

    4. Showing disregard or lack of interest; nonchalant: He dismissed the question with an off-hand wave of his hand.

    5. Immediately; without delay: He had an off-hand manner of dealing with customers.

    6. Done or made with the hand held away from the body: She sketched the portrait in an off-hand style.

    7. In a clumsy or inelegant manner: He danced off-hand, stepping on his partner's feet more than once.

    Off-hand (adverb):

    1. Without thinking or preparing; spontaneously: He answered off-hand when asked about the event.

    2. In an abrupt or curt manner; brusquely: She dismissed the request off-hand, without further consideration.

    3. In a casual or relaxed manner; informally: They chatted off-hand about their weekend plans.

    4. By memory, without needing to refer to written notes: The presenter spoke off-hand about the topic, relying on personal knowledge.

    5. Without using specific tools; using only one's hands: The artist sculpted the clay off-hand, without any assistance.

    In summary, off-hand describes something that is done without prior planning or consideration, often impromptu or casual. It can also refer to actions or statements made with ease or nonchalance, or in an informal or relaxed manner. Additionally, off-hand can describe movements or creations done by hand, without the use of tools, and can indicate an immediately or effortlessly executed task.

Common Misspellings for OFF-HAND

  • iff-hand
  • kff-hand
  • lff-hand
  • pff-hand
  • 0ff-hand
  • 9ff-hand
  • odf-hand
  • ocf-hand
  • ovf-hand
  • ogf-hand
  • otf-hand
  • orf-hand
  • ofd-hand
  • ofc-hand
  • ofv-hand
  • ofg-hand
  • oft-hand
  • ofr-hand
  • off0hand

Etymology of OFF-HAND

The word "off-hand" has its origins in Medieval English, evolving from the phrase "of hand" or "from hand". In this context, "hand" is used metaphorically to refer to the readiness or quickness of a response. The term gradually transformed into "offhand" in the 17th century, with "off" signifying a lack of preparation or prior thought. Over time, "off-hand" came to mean giving spontaneous or casual answers or comments without much consideration.

Similar spelling words for OFF-HAND

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