Off

Definition

The word off serves as a preposition, adverb, adjective, and verb. It generally denotes separation, removal, or distance, as well as the cessation or deactivation of something.

Parts of Speech

• Preposition
• Adverb
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɔːf/
• Respelling: AWF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɒf/
• Respelling: OF

Etymology

The word "off" originates from Old English "of," meaning "away, away from, or down from." Its meaning and usage evolved over time, influenced by Old Norse and Middle English usage patterns, to cover a broader range of meanings involving separation and cessation.

Derivatives

• Offset (noun, verb)
• Offing (noun)
• Offload (verb)
• Offcut (noun)
• Offside (noun, adjective)

Synonyms

• Away
• Removed
• Deactivated

Antonyms

• On
• Attached
• Active

Usage

The term "off" is highly versatile and used in a variety of contexts, such as spatial separation, deactivation, or disconnection. For example, "Turn the light off" or "He is off to a great start."

Related Terms

• On: The opposite of "off," often indicating connection or activation.
• Remove: To take something away.
• Deactivate: To turn something off or make it inactive.

Detailed Definitions

Preposition

• Indicating separation or removal: Refers to something being away from or detached from another object.
  • Example: "Take your shoes off before entering."

Adverb

• Indicating distance or departure: Describes motion away from a location or position.
  • Example: "The plane took off on time."
• Indicating cessation or deactivation: Refers to the stopping of an activity or turning something to a non-functional state.
  • Example: "The power is off due to a storm."

Adjective

• No longer in operation or functioning: Describes something that is inactive or not working.
  • Example: "The machine is off until further notice."

Verb

• To kill or terminate (slang): Used informally to describe ending someone’s life or something’s existence.
  • Example: "They offed the old product line."