offhand
7
6.9
- adjective
- /ˈɔfˌhænd/
:
despectivo
- Before you dismiss it offhand, think about what you've seen and heard.
- an offhand remark
- an offhand comment
In both cases, the story comes up in a kind of offhand way.
- In both cases, the story comes up in a kind of offhand way.
- And then other times where it's just an offhand comment that, yeah, timing is a weird thing with this, right?
- Were you just making a comment offhand about how you like cheese popcorn, or do you think that is cheese popcorn?
- I want to come back to this point, though, that he's making a very offhand thing.
- And that changed everything, that offhand label, and it turned everything around.
Examples
-
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?
-
And then other times where it's just an offhand comment that, yeah, timing is a weird thing with this, right?
-
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.
-
"Tell me, Kal," Andrew ventured in an offhand manner.
Fiction book (1990) -
He made an offhand comment during the meeting that surprised everyone.
Synonyms
43
5.6
Acting as if someone or something is not important
20
1.0
In a way that you do something without thinking or paying attention
20
4.6
In a distracted way, as if your mind is somewhere else
6
5.5
In a way that shows you think something is not important
5
4.9
Showing no care for other people's feelings when speaking or acting
4
4.0
Showing no interest or care
3
8.0
In a way that shows little respect and treats things lightly
3
7.0
Speak or act without careful thought
1
4.6
Acting in a joking way when care is needed
1
7.2
Said or done quickly without much thought and seeming rude
1
7.2
To say or do something without thinking and planning
1
6.5
Without thinking about other people's feelings
1
6.1
In a way that does not think about other people's feelings
In a careless way without thinking
In a way that shows no interest or concern
In a way that shows no worry or interest
Antonyms
How Inconsiderate
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Offhand comes from the parts off 'away' and hand 'hand', which gives the idea of doing something without careful handling. That's why an offhand remark can feel casual or rude, because it is said quickly and without much care.