off
- adverb
- /ɔf/
- All right, first off, it's not a man, okay?
- off to the side
- off we go
- off to the clink
Examples
-
The Fire Nation killed my mother, and my father is off fighting in the war.
Academic text (2010) -
First off, let me say welcome.
-
I said goodbye to my family and was off to my first teaching job.
Academic text (2005) -
Weeks had already passed, my cast was off, and there was an early snow on the ground.
Fiction book (1991) -
And the next day they're off to school, most of them anyway.
Academic text (2006) -
Off to the docks, are we?
-
And as before, Geordi was off to the side at the engineering console.
Fiction book (1991) -
She's probably off in some bar having a Dirty Banana.
-
I'm off and running.
-
After finishing my breakfast, I was off to work without any delay.
Synonyms
To move or look to a place that is not here
Antonyms
Idioms
- Informal
People keep money or wages off official records to avoid taxes and other rules
- Informal
A person who is very like one of their parents in looks or behaviour
- Informal
A situation where previous plans no longer apply and no one knows what will happen
- Informal
Make a very loud, long cry because you feel afraid, excited, or upset
Compounds
- Specialized
Professional small theaters in New York City with fewer than 500 seats that show new or experimental plays
- Specialized
Removing the value of a debt or asset from accounts when it cannot be paid
A gun with very short barrels that shoots many small metal balls at close range
- Specialized
A play where the pitcher or catcher throws quickly to tag a runner off base
- Specialized
The percentage a compound bow's pull drops at full draw, making it easier to hold
A British TV show where amateur bakers compete in weekly baking challenges
How Far
Surface Forms
Etymology
Off comes from Old English of meaning 'away', and as an adverb it still means 'away from a place'. That is why you can jump off a bus or drive off down the road.