offhandedly

IPA/ˌɒfˈhændɪdli/
IPA/ˌɔːfˈhændɪdli/

offhandedly — adverb

1. in a careless, slightly rude way that makes it seem a person is not giving serio

1.adverbC1
Definition

in a careless, slightly rude way that makes it seem a person is not giving serious attention

Example

Kenji offhandedly told his sister to deal with the problem alone.

offhandedly tell [someone] to ...

At lunch, Lakshmi offhandedly joked that the lost files were no big deal.

offhandedly + joke that-clause

Common collocations
  • answer offhandedly
  • reply offhandedly
  • offhandedly dismiss
  • offhandedly joke
  • offhandedly mention
Synonyms
  • casually

    broader and often neutral; offhandedly usually carries more disregard

  • dismissively

    stronger in showing that the speaker treats something as unimportant

  • curtly

    focuses on brief, abrupt wording more than on lack of care

Antonyms
  • thoughtfully

    showing care and attention to the other person or situation

  • politely

    showing respect and consideration in the way something is said

Grammar Patterns

offhandedly + say / tell / reply

offhandedly + dismiss / joke

verb + offhandedly

Usage Note

Usually modifies verbs such as say, reply, joke, or dismiss when the speaker sounds detached as well as a little rude. It often suggests that another person's concern is being brushed aside too easily.

Common Mistakes

She gave an offhandedly answer.
She gave an offhand answer.
Use the adjective 'offhand' before a noun; 'offhandedly' is the adverb used with a verb.

Word family

  • offhand
    adjectiveC1
  • offhanded
    adjectiveC1
  • offhandedness
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words can describe a loose or careless attitude, but they point to different problems in tone. Casually is the widest term and can even be neutral, as when someone dresses casually or mentions something without much formality. Offhandedly is narrower: it suggests a quick remark that sounds detached and a bit rude. Dismissively is stronger, showing that the speaker treats a concern or person as not worth attention. Curtly focuses on short, abrupt wording; someone can answer curtly without sounding as careless as offhandedly implies. Thoughtlessly points more to failing to consider another person's feelings or needs. For example, a manager might casually mention a schedule change, but offhandedly wave away a worker's safety worry.

casually ↗dismissively ↗curtly ↗thoughtlessly ↗

Etymology

English

Built in English from offhanded with the adverb ending -ly. The family around offhand first suggested something done quickly or without preparation, then developed the idea of speech or behaviour that feels casual, abrupt, or insufficiently considerate. Offhandedly keeps that later social sense and applies it to the way a person speaks or reacts.