offhand
gb/ˈɔfhˈænd/ us/ˈɔfhˈænd/
B2
Engels
mellékesen, odavetve, odavetett, lekezelő
B2
1
mellékesen
B2
odavetve
B2
Gebruikspatroon:
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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
I said it offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen mondtam.
He asked offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen kérdezte.
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners sometimes use it for 'by hand' or 'manually'; it refers to speaking/acting casually, not using your hands.
Betekenis
without thinking or planning
Woordcombinaties
say offhand
|mention offhand
|remark offhand
|comment offhand
|ask offhand
|reply offhand
|say it offhand
Synoniemen
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.)
Antoniemen
deliberately (Done with careful intention rather than casually.)
|
preparedly (With preparation (rare word, but clear opposite idea).)
Thema's
communication
|daily_life
Definitie
without planning; without thinking much
In a way that is not planned or prepared, often said quickly without much thought.
B2
2
odavetett
B2
Gebruikspatroon:
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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
It was an offhand comment.
Ez egy odavetett megjegyzés volt.
That was an offhand answer.
Ez egy odavetett válasz volt.
Veelgemaakte fout:
Often confused with 'secondhand' (from someone else) or interpreted as physical 'off hand' (a hand not being used).
Betekenis
casual; not carefully considered
Woordcombinaties
offhand remark
|offhand comment
|offhand observation
|offhand answer
|offhand reference
|offhand joke
Synoniemen
casual (Broader; may not imply lack of thought.)
|
throwaway (Suggests something said as unimportant.)
|
unconsidered (Stronger focus on not thinking it through.)
Antoniemen
thoughtful (Shows careful thinking and consideration.)
|
considered (Deliberate and carefully formed.)
Thema's
communication
|emotions
Definitie
casual and not thought about carefully
Not showing much thought or careful consideration; casual and unplanned.
C1
3
lekezelő
B2
Gebruikspatroon:
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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
He was offhand with me.
Lekezelő volt velem.
Her offhand tone sounded rude.
A lekezelő hangneme udvariatlannak hatott.
Veelgemaakte fout:
Learners may miss this meaning and interpret 'offhand' as only 'spontaneous'; context (tone/manner) signals the 'curt' sense.
Betekenis
curt or dismissive in manner
Woordcombinaties
offhand manner
|offhand tone
|offhand way
|offhand response
|offhand refusal
|offhand treatment
Synoniemen
curt (More direct about being brief and abrupt.)
|
brusque (More formal; emphasizes abruptness.)
|
dismissive (Emphasizes treating something as unimportant.)
Antoniemen
polite (Shows respect and good manners.)
|
warm (Friendly and welcoming rather than abrupt.)
Thema's
communication
|social_relations
|emotions
Definitie
a little rude and not friendly
Showing little interest or respect; rather abrupt, unfriendly, or dismissive.
Grammatica
Lemmavorm
offhand
IPA
GB/ˈɔfhˈænd/
US/ˈɔfhˈænd/
Lettergrepen en klemtoon
off - hand (2 lettergrepen)
Stress on 1st syllable (off)
Woordvormen
Adjective
- Base: offhand
Woordfamilie
Related words
offhanded
adjective
offhandedly
adverb
Advanced or less common
offhandedness
noun
Uitdrukkingen
offhand comment
1/ˈɔfhˈænd kˈɑmɛnt/
fixed phrase
quick casual comment
a quick, casual comment
Voorbeelden
- 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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- 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
Voorbeelden
- 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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- 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
Voorbeelden
- 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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- 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
Voorbeelden
- 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.
Voorbeelden voor taalleerders
- He gave an offhand response.