offline
gb/ˈɔflˌaɪn/ us/ˈɔflˌaɪn/
A2
English
~ 3400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Not connected to the internet
Not connected to the internet or any network.
Usage pattern:
[something] is offline
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'offline' with 'off-line' as a verb, but here it is used as an adjective.
Synonyms
disconnected (General term for not being connected; not limited to the internet.)
Antonyms
online (Means connected to the internet or a network.)
Collocations
go offline
|work offline
|offline mode
|offline access
|offline device
Themes
technology
|communication
|daily life
Examples
- The website is offline for maintenance.
- I prefer to work offline when traveling.
- The printer is currently offline and cannot receive jobs.
Learner examples
- The computer is offline.
- My phone is offline now.
- This game works offline.
adverb
A2
state
2
Without internet connection
When not connected to the internet or any network.
Usage pattern:
to work/play/do [something] offline
Synonyms
disconnected (Describes performing something without an active connection.)
Antonyms
online (Describes performing something while connected to the internet.)
Collocations
use offline
|save offline
|play offline
Themes
technology
|communication
Examples
- You can watch these videos offline if you download them first.
- I edited the document offline and uploaded it later.
- She prefers to write her blog posts offline before publishing.
Learner examples
- I can read this page offline.
- He plays games offline.
- We can use the map offline.
adjective
technical
B1
property
3
Not part of main system now
Not working in the main system right now.
Usage pattern:
[machine/device/system] is offline
Synonyms
inactive (Not currently operating, though may be available later.)
Antonyms
active (Currently operating or functioning within the system.)
Collocations
take offline
|offline server
|offline machine
Themes
technology
|engineering
|work
Examples
- The backup server is offline until needed.
- We took the machine offline for repairs.
- Several satellites are offline after the storm.
Learner examples
- The server is offline now.
- This machine is offline for repair.
- The lights are off because the system is offline.
adverb
B2
relation
4
Privately, outside main discussion
In a private way, not in the main meeting or group.
Usage pattern:
to discuss/talk [something] offline
Synonyms
privately (Generally means away from public view; broader than just meetings.)
Antonyms
publicly (Means openly, in front of others.)
Collocations
take offline
|discuss offline
Themes
business
|communication
|work
Examples
- Let's take this conversation offline and talk after the meeting.
- We decided to handle the details offline.
- The issue will be discussed offline between the managers.
Learner examples
- We will talk about it offline.
- Let’s take this problem offline.
- They will meet offline to decide.
Grammar
Dictionary form
offline
IPA
GB/ˈɔflˌaɪn/
US/ˈɔflˌaɪn/
Syllables & stress
off - line (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (off)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: offline
- Comparative: offliner
- Superlative: offlinest
Word family
Forms
offliner
adjective
offlinest
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
online
adjective A2
Expressions
go offline
1/ɡˈoʊ ˈɔflˌaɪn/
fixed phrase
Lose internet connection
To stop being connected to the internet or network.
Examples
- The website went offline after the power outage.
- My phone went offline during the storm.
offline mode
1/ˈɔflˌaɪn mˈoʊd/
fixed phrase
technical
Setting for no internet use
A setting that lets you use an app without internet.
Examples
- Switch your phone to offline mode before boarding.
- Offline mode lets you read saved articles without data.
take something offline
1/tˈeɪk sˈʌmθɪŋ ˈɔflˌaɪn/
fixed phrase
Move discussion to private setting
To stop talking about something in a meeting and continue in private later.
Examples
- We’ll take this topic offline and follow up tomorrow.
- Let’s take that question offline so we can stick to the agenda.
work offline
1/wˈɚk ˈɔflˌaɪn/
fixed phrase
Do tasks without internet connection
To do your work without using the internet.
Examples
- I often work offline when I’m on a plane.
- You can work offline by saving your files locally.