Pronunciation: /ɔfˈhænd/

Definitions of offhand

adjective without previous thought or preparation

Example Sentences

A1 I can't remember offhand where I put my keys.

A2 Offhand, I would say she is around 30 years old.

B1 I don't have the information offhand, but I can look it up for you.

B2 Offhand, I would say that the project will take about two weeks to complete.

C1 He was able to provide a detailed analysis offhand without any preparation.

C2 She answered the complex question offhand, showcasing her extensive knowledge on the subject.

adverb without previous thought or preparation

Example Sentences

A1 I can't think of the answer offhand, but I will look it up for you.

A2 Offhand, I would say that the movie was released last year.

B1 I can't recall offhand where I put my keys, but I will find them soon.

B2 Offhand, I would estimate that the project will take about two weeks to complete.

C1 Offhand, I don't remember the exact details of the contract, but I can look it up for you.

C2 I can't give you a precise answer offhand, but I will provide you with the information as soon as possible.

Examples of offhand in a Sentence

formal I cannot provide an offhand estimate without conducting a thorough analysis.

informal I can't think of it offhand, but I'll get back to you on that.

slang I'm not sure offhand, but I'll look it up for you.

figurative Offhand remarks can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Grammatical Forms of offhand

past tense

offhanded

plural

offhands

comparative

more offhand

superlative

most offhand

present tense

offhand

future tense

will offhand

perfect tense

have offhanded

continuous tense

is offhanding

singular

offhand

positive degree

offhand

infinitive

to offhand

gerund

offhanding

participle

offhanded

Origin and Evolution of offhand

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'offhand' originated from the combination of 'off' meaning away or apart and 'hand' referring to the hand as a symbol of readiness or skill.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe something done without preparation or forethought, 'offhand' has evolved to also mean casual or informal in modern usage.