offhand
gb/ˈɔfhˈænd/ us/ˈɔfhˈænd/
B2
Anglais
mellékesen, odavetve, odavetett, lekezelő
B2
1
mellékesen
B2
odavetve
B2
Schéma d’usage :
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.
Exemples pédagogiques
I said it offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen mondtam.
He asked offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen kérdezte.
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes use it for 'by hand' or 'manually'; it refers to speaking/acting casually, not using your hands.
Sens
without thinking or planning
Collocations
say offhand
|mention offhand
|remark offhand
|comment offhand
|ask offhand
|reply offhand
|say it offhand
Synonymes
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.)
Antonymes
deliberately (Done with careful intention rather than casually.)
|
preparedly (With preparation (rare word, but clear opposite idea).)
Thèmes
communication
|daily_life
Définition
without planning; without thinking much
In a way that is not planned or prepared, often said quickly without much thought.
B2
2
odavetett
B2
Schéma d’usage :
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.
Exemples pédagogiques
It was an offhand comment.
Ez egy odavetett megjegyzés volt.
That was an offhand answer.
Ez egy odavetett válasz volt.
Erreur fréquente :
Often confused with 'secondhand' (from someone else) or interpreted as physical 'off hand' (a hand not being used).
Sens
casual; not carefully considered
Collocations
offhand remark
|offhand comment
|offhand observation
|offhand answer
|offhand reference
|offhand joke
Synonymes
casual (Broader; may not imply lack of thought.)
|
throwaway (Suggests something said as unimportant.)
|
unconsidered (Stronger focus on not thinking it through.)
Antonymes
thoughtful (Shows careful thinking and consideration.)
|
considered (Deliberate and carefully formed.)
Thèmes
communication
|emotions
Définition
casual and not thought about carefully
Not showing much thought or careful consideration; casual and unplanned.
C1
3
lekezelő
B2
Schéma d’usage :
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.
Exemples pédagogiques
He was offhand with me.
Lekezelő volt velem.
Her offhand tone sounded rude.
A lekezelő hangneme udvariatlannak hatott.
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may miss this meaning and interpret 'offhand' as only 'spontaneous'; context (tone/manner) signals the 'curt' sense.
Sens
curt or dismissive in manner
Collocations
offhand manner
|offhand tone
|offhand way
|offhand response
|offhand refusal
|offhand treatment
Synonymes
curt (More direct about being brief and abrupt.)
|
brusque (More formal; emphasizes abruptness.)
|
dismissive (Emphasizes treating something as unimportant.)
Antonymes
polite (Shows respect and good manners.)
|
warm (Friendly and welcoming rather than abrupt.)
Thèmes
communication
|social_relations
|emotions
Définition
a little rude and not friendly
Showing little interest or respect; rather abrupt, unfriendly, or dismissive.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
offhand
API
GB/ˈɔfhˈænd/
US/ˈɔfhˈænd/
Syllabes et accentuation
off - hand (2 syllabes)
Stress on 1st syllable (off)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: offhand
Famille de mots
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
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- 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
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples pédagogiques
- He gave an offhand response.