English Dictionary

Definition of “offhand

offhand (ˌɒfˈhændPronunciation for offhand

Definitions

adjective adverb

Also

offhanded
  1. without care, thought, or consideration; sometimes, brusque or ungracious  ⇒ an offhand manner 
  2. without preparation or warning; impromptu

Alternative Forms

ˌoffˈhandedly adverb ˌoffˈhandedness noun

Usage examples

  • The silence from Alex had hurt and bewildered her, and she was angry at the offhand way he had appeared to let Mark down.
    Gaskin, Catherine, The Ambassador's Women (1986)
  • Spartan would best describe the structure, which also houses a couple of multinational corporations that don't ring a bell offhand.
    Business Today (2001)
  • Last month, I bought the walnut coffee table I stalked for seven months, but can't remember offhand who designed it.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • He takes an almost offhand attitude to his work, which he says speaks for itself.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The starfish can afford to lose several of its limbs in battle, as it can, in the most offhand manner, grow new ones.
    Durrell, Gerald, How to Shoot an Amateur Naturalist (1985)

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