offhand
gb/ˈɔfhˈænd/ us/ˈɔfhˈænd/
B2
English
mellékesen, odavetve, odavetett, lekezelő
B2
1
mellékesen
B2
odavetve
B2
Usage pattern:
say [something] offhand
I mentioned it offhand, but she took it seriously.
Ezt csak úgy mellékesen említettem, de ő komolyan vette.
He asked offhand whether I wanted to join them for dinner.
Csak úgy mellékesen megkérdezte, akarok-e velük vacsorázni.
She replied offhand that it probably wouldn’t work.
Learner examples
I said it offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen mondtam.
He asked offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen kérdezte.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use it for 'by hand' or 'manually'; it refers to speaking/acting casually, not using your hands.
Meaning
without thinking or planning
Collocations
say offhand
|mention offhand
|remark offhand
|comment offhand
|ask offhand
|reply offhand
|say it offhand
Synonyms
spontaneously (More formal and clearly positive/neutral.)
|
casually (Emphasizes a relaxed tone more than lack of preparation.)
|
off the cuff (More idiomatic; often used for speeches/answers.)
Antonyms
deliberately (Done with careful intention rather than casually.)
|
preparedly (With preparation (rare word, but clear opposite idea).)
Themes
communication
|daily_life
Definition
without planning; without thinking much
In a way that is not planned or prepared, often said quickly without much thought.
B2
2
odavetett
B2
Usage pattern:
an offhand [remark/comment/answer]
It was just an offhand remark, not a promise.
Csak egy odavetett megjegyzés volt, nem ígéret.
She made an offhand comment about quitting, then changed the subject.
Odavetett egy megjegyzést arról, hogy felmond, aztán másról kezdett beszélni.
His offhand answer suggested he hadn’t really listened.
Learner examples
It was an offhand comment.
Ez egy odavetett megjegyzés volt.
That was an offhand answer.
Ez egy odavetett válasz volt.
Common mistake:
Often confused with 'secondhand' (from someone else) or interpreted as physical 'off hand' (a hand not being used).
Meaning
casual; not carefully considered
Collocations
offhand remark
|offhand comment
|offhand observation
|offhand answer
|offhand reference
|offhand joke
Synonyms
casual (Broader; may not imply lack of thought.)
|
throwaway (Suggests something said as unimportant.)
|
unconsidered (Stronger focus on not thinking it through.)
Antonyms
thoughtful (Shows careful thinking and consideration.)
|
considered (Deliberate and carefully formed.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
Definition
casual and not thought about carefully
Not showing much thought or careful consideration; casual and unplanned.
C1
3
lekezelő
B2
Usage pattern:
an offhand [manner/way/tone/response]
I asked for help, but I got an offhand response.
Segítséget kértem, de lekezelő választ kaptam.
His offhand manner made her feel unwelcome.
A lekezelő modora miatt nem érezte magát szívesen látottnak.
The receptionist was offhand and didn’t explain what to do next.
Learner examples
He was offhand with me.
Lekezelő volt velem.
Her offhand tone sounded rude.
A lekezelő hangneme udvariatlannak hatott.
Common mistake:
Learners may miss this meaning and interpret 'offhand' as only 'spontaneous'; context (tone/manner) signals the 'curt' sense.
Meaning
curt or dismissive in manner
Collocations
offhand manner
|offhand tone
|offhand way
|offhand response
|offhand refusal
|offhand treatment
Synonyms
curt (More direct about being brief and abrupt.)
|
brusque (More formal; emphasizes abruptness.)
|
dismissive (Emphasizes treating something as unimportant.)
Antonyms
polite (Shows respect and good manners.)
|
warm (Friendly and welcoming rather than abrupt.)
Themes
communication
|social_relations
|emotions
Definition
a little rude and not friendly
Showing little interest or respect; rather abrupt, unfriendly, or dismissive.
Grammar
Dictionary form
offhand
IPA
GB/ˈɔfhˈænd/
US/ˈɔfhˈænd/
Syllables & stress
off - hand (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (off)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: offhand
Word family
Related words
offhanded
adjective
offhandedly
adverb
Advanced or less common
offhandedness
noun
Expressions
offhand comment
1/ˈɔfhˈænd kˈɑmɛnt/
fixed phrase
quick casual comment
a quick, casual comment
Examples
- He made an offhand comment about moving abroad next year.
- An offhand comment from her boss made her doubt herself.
- I didn’t expect my offhand comment to be repeated.
Learner examples
- She made an offhand comment.
offhand manner
1/ˈɔfhˈænd mˈænɚ/
fixed phrase
cool, slightly rude manner
in a way that seems a bit rude or uninterested
Examples
- She answered in an offhand manner and turned back to her screen.
- His offhand manner made the new staff feel ignored.
- The apology sounded forced and offhand in manner.
Learner examples
- He spoke in an offhand manner.
offhand remark
1/ˈɔfhˈænd ɹɪmˈɑɹk/
fixed phrase
casual remark, not intended seriously
a casual comment that wasn’t planned
Examples
- She made an offhand remark about my haircut and didn’t realize it would upset me.
- His offhand remark turned into a long argument.
- It started with an offhand remark at lunch.
Learner examples
- He made an offhand remark.
- It was just an offhand remark.
offhand response
1/ˈɔfhˈænd ɹɪspˈɑns/
fixed phrase
quick, dismissive-sounding reply
a quick reply that sounds casual or rude
Examples
- I asked a serious question and got an offhand response.
- Her offhand response suggested she wanted to end the conversation.
- He apologized for his offhand response later.
Learner examples
- He gave an offhand response.