offhand
/ˌɒfˈhænd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɔːfˈhænd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈȯf-ˈhand -ˌhand/ (ame, mw) · /ˌɑːfˈhænd/ (ame, ipa)
offhand — adjective
- offhandpositive
- more offhandcomparative
- most offhandsuperlative
1. behaving as if other people do not matter, with a cool and slightly rude lack of
behaving as if other people do not matter, with a cool and slightly rude lack of warmth.
Elise gave the new intern an offhand nod and kept typing.
offhand + gesture showing little warmth
When Bao asked for help, the receptionist gave an offhand shrug.
Lan's offhand tone upset the waiter during the breakfast order.
Christopher sounded offhand when his sister shared her exam worries.
- dismissive
stronger and clearer about brushing someone aside
- curt
focuses on very short, sharp speech
- cool
broader and not always slightly rude
文法句型
offhand remark
sound offhand
用法筆記
Often used for remarks, tone, or behavior that feels dismissive rather than openly angry. Distinguish this from sense 2, which is about lack of preparation instead of lack of care.
常見錯誤
2. spoken, written, or decided on the spot, without planning it beforehand.
spoken, written, or decided on the spot, without planning it beforehand.
Mateo gave an offhand estimate of the repair cost at lunch.
offhand + estimate made on the spot
Defne made an offhand comment about moving abroad next year.
Otis wrote an offhand reply before reading the full email.
Talia offered an offhand guess about the final score.
- impromptu
more formal and often used for speeches or performances
- spontaneous
broader and can sound more positive than offhand
- unprepared
states the lack of planning without the casual tone
- prepared
planned or thought through in advance
- deliberate
carefully considered rather than quick
文法句型
offhand comment
offhand guess
用法筆記
Common with nouns such as comment, guess, reply, and estimate. Unlike sense 1, this sense focuses on something produced without preparation, not on sounding rude.
常見錯誤
offhand — adverb
1. without stopping to check the facts or think much first; straight away from memo
without stopping to check the facts or think much first; straight away from memory.
Sana could not offhand remember the hotel name from last summer.
offhand + remember or know from memory
Iris offhand guessed that the train ride would take two hours.
Ayana said offhand that the meeting room was on level six.
Theo offhand said yes before reading the rental contract closely.
- immediately
shows speed only, not the idea of no checking
- from memory
closer when someone answers without looking something up
- spontaneously
broader and not limited to quick recall or answers
- carefully
with time taken to check or think things through
文法句型
say offhand
know offhand
用法筆記
Usually used with verbs like say, know, remember, or guess when someone answers immediately from memory. Distinguish it from adjective sense 2, which modifies a noun such as comment or guess.