off-center
off-center — adjective
1. slightly away from the middle point where something is expected to be.
slightly away from the middle point where something is expected to be.
The printer cut the school logo slightly off-center on each page.
adjective after object complement: cut something off-center
Rania moved the mirror because it looked off-center above the sofa.
linking verb: look off-center + location detail
An off-center photo can make the whole poster feel awkward.
After the frame slipped, the family picture sat off-center on the wall.
- misaligned
more technical, especially for design or machine parts that do not line up
- lopsided
suggests uneven balance, not just a middle point that is missed
- askew
often emphasizes a slight tilt as well as position
- centered
placed in the middle
文法句型
be off-center
look off-center
off-center + noun
用法筆記
Often used for objects, text, or images that should sit in the middle. Distinguish from adjective/2, which describes unusual style rather than physical position.
常見錯誤
2. slightly strange or unexpected in a way that feels original rather than ordinary
slightly strange or unexpected in a way that feels original rather than ordinary.
The director is known for off-center comedies about lonely neighbors.
attributive: off-center + creative work
Shirin wore an off-center hat that made everyone smile at brunch.
attributive: off-center + fashion item
The gallery chose off-center artists for its summer art show.
Anthony's off-center comments kept the interview lively instead of polite.
- quirky
more playful and everyday
- eccentric
often stronger and more personal than off-center
- unconventional
more formal and less playful
- conventional
follows ordinary expectations or taste
文法句型
off-center + noun
be off-center in tone or style
用法筆記
This sense often describes humor, art, fashion, or behavior that leans away from what people expect. Distinguish from adjective/1, which is only about where something is placed.
常見錯誤
off-center — adverb
1. away from the middle position rather than right in it.
away from the middle position rather than right in it.
Esme hung the map a little off-center above the classroom sink.
verb + object + off-center
The baker piped the name off-center, so the cake looked crooked.
place wording off-center during decoration
During rehearsal, Hao stood off-center to leave room for the dancers.
The stamp landed off-center, leaving a wide border on one side.
- to one side
more everyday and less exact
- askew
can also suggest a slant, not only a middle point that is missed
- centrally
in the middle area
文法句型
place something off-center
stand off-center
land off-center
用法筆記
Usually follows a verb such as place, hang, print, sit, or stand. Unlike adjective/1, this form tells you how something is positioned, not what kind of object it is.