offhand

Examples

• All

• In an offhand way, he said to Belle, "I'm sorry you have to leave, my dear."

  Fiction book (1992)

• How can you be so cold and offhand?

  A Dangerous Method (2011)

• And then other times where it's just an offhand comment that, yeah, timing is a weird thing with this, right?

  Rich Roll

• You mention the three little pigs in an offhand way, but it made me think: "Wow!"

  Blog text (20)

• Often I give them a lighthearted, offhand answer.

  Academic text (2004)

• The remark is an offhand comment in an otherwise thoughtful body of writing.

  Academic text (2011)

• Her comment had only been a polite, offhand remark.

  Fiction book (1997)

• It was just an offhand remark.

  Stealing Harvard (2002)

• "Tell me, Kal," Andrew ventured in an offhand manner.

  Fiction book (1990)

• He made an offhand comment during the meeting that surprised everyone.

Synonyms

D

dismissive

vsoffhand

38 5.6

Acting as if someone or something is not important

is similar but used more as a description of attitude than action

C

carelessly

vsoffhand

16 1.0

In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention

is similar but highlights casual tone more than general neglect

A

absently

vsoffhand

13 4.6

In a distracted way, as if your mind is somewhere else

is related but emphasizes casual lack of concern rather than mere distraction

D

dismissively

vsoffhand

6 5.5

In a way that shows you think something is not important

expresses the same lack of respect but with casual thoughtlessness

T

tactless

vsoffhand

5 4.9

Showing no care for other people's feelings when speaking or acting

is related but adds casual indifference rather than clumsiness

O

off-hand

vsoffhand

• Informal

4 7.2

To say or do something without thinking and planning

is similar but highlights casual inconsideration rather than timing

I

indifferently

vsoffhand

4 4.0

Showing no interest or care

is alike but the key adds casual inconsiderate tone

U

unserious

vsoffhand

4 4.6

Acting in a joking way when care is needed

is similar but the key stresses thoughtless inconsiderate behaviour

F

flippantly

vsoffhand

3 8.0

In a way that shows little respect and treats things lightly

is alike but the key implies thoughtless indifference rather than mockery

O

offhandedly

vsoffhand

2 7.0

Speak or act without careful thought

is similarly casual but emphasizes thoughtless disregard

O

offhanded

vsoffhand

1 7.2

Said or done quickly without much thought and seeming rude

is the same casual manner but stresses lack of concern

I

inconsiderately

vsoffhand

1 6.5

Without thinking about other people's feelings

focuses more on casual thoughtlessness than deliberate disrespect

I

insensitively

vsoffhand

1 6.1

In a way that does not think about other people's feelings

is similar but includes casual thoughtlessness and low interest

U

unconcernedly

vsoffhand

1 7.0

In a way that shows no worry or interest

is similar but stresses casual thoughtless disregard rather than calmness

U

uninterestedly

vsoffhand

1 6.0

In a way that shows no interest or concern

is similar but emphasizes casual thoughtlessness as well as indifference

U

unmindfully

vsoffhand

1 7.3

In a careless way without thinking

is similar but stresses casual lack of concern rather than distraction

Antonyms

T

thoughtfully

33 3.7

In a careful way that shows you pay attention before deciding

C

considerately

1 3.0

In a way that shows care for other people's feelings and needs

How Inconsiderate

rude

558 1.0

offhand

6 6.9

curt

9 7.2

distant

86 4.9

considerate

63 2.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology