Pronunciation: /ˈsɛtˌɔf/

Definitions of setoff

noun the act of setting off; a counterbalance or equivalent

Example Sentences

A1 I used a setoff to start the fire in the fireplace.

A2 The setoff of the alarm caused a panic in the building.

B1 The setoff of fireworks lit up the night sky.

B2 The setoff of the bomb was heard miles away.

C1 The setoff of the chemical reaction led to a chain of events.

C2 The setoff of the avalanche was triggered by a loud noise.

verb to counterbalance or compensate for

Example Sentences

A1 She setoff on her journey early in the morning.

A2 The alarm clock setoff a loud noise, waking everyone up.

B1 The fireworks display setoff a series of loud explosions.

B2 The controversial statement setoff a heated debate among the panelists.

C1 The company's decision to downsize setoff a wave of layoffs and restructuring.

C2 The political scandal setoff a chain of events that ultimately led to the president's resignation.

Examples of setoff in a Sentence

formal The company used the setoff clause in the contract to deduct the amount owed from the final payment.

informal I heard they're planning to do a setoff of the expenses against the profits.

slang Let's do a setoff of our bills and see how much we have left to spend.

figurative Her kindness was a setoff against his harsh words, balancing out the negative energy.

Grammatical Forms of setoff

past tense

setoff

plural

setoffs

comparative

more setoff

superlative

most setoff

present tense

setoff

future tense

will setoff

perfect tense

have setoff

continuous tense

is setting off

singular

setoff

positive degree

setoff

infinitive

to setoff

gerund

setting off

participle

setoff

Origin and Evolution of setoff

First Known Use: 1500 year
Language of Origin: Middle English, Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'setoff' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'set off', meaning to counterbalance or compensate.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'setoff' evolved to also mean a deduction or reduction in amount owed, particularly in financial contexts.