offhand
gb/ˈɔfhˈænd/ us/ˈɔfhˈænd/
B2
Engelska
mellékesen, odavetve, odavetett, lekezelő
B2
1
mellékesen
B2
odavetve
B2
Användningsmönster:
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.
Exempel för inlärare
I said it offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen mondtam.
He asked offhand.
Csak úgy mellékesen kérdezte.
Vanligt misstag:
Learners sometimes use it for 'by hand' or 'manually'; it refers to speaking/acting casually, not using your hands.
Betydelse
without thinking or planning
Ordkombinationer
say offhand
|mention offhand
|remark offhand
|comment offhand
|ask offhand
|reply offhand
|say it offhand
Synonymer
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.)
Antonymer
deliberately (Done with careful intention rather than casually.)
|
preparedly (With preparation (rare word, but clear opposite idea).)
Teman
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
Användningsmönster:
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.
Exempel för inlärare
It was an offhand comment.
Ez egy odavetett megjegyzés volt.
That was an offhand answer.
Ez egy odavetett válasz volt.
Vanligt misstag:
Often confused with 'secondhand' (from someone else) or interpreted as physical 'off hand' (a hand not being used).
Betydelse
casual; not carefully considered
Ordkombinationer
offhand remark
|offhand comment
|offhand observation
|offhand answer
|offhand reference
|offhand joke
Synonymer
casual (Broader; may not imply lack of thought.)
|
throwaway (Suggests something said as unimportant.)
|
unconsidered (Stronger focus on not thinking it through.)
Antonymer
thoughtful (Shows careful thinking and consideration.)
|
considered (Deliberate and carefully formed.)
Teman
communication
|emotions
Definition
casual and not thought about carefully
Not showing much thought or careful consideration; casual and unplanned.
C1
3
lekezelő
B2
Användningsmönster:
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.
Exempel för inlärare
He was offhand with me.
Lekezelő volt velem.
Her offhand tone sounded rude.
A lekezelő hangneme udvariatlannak hatott.
Vanligt misstag:
Learners may miss this meaning and interpret 'offhand' as only 'spontaneous'; context (tone/manner) signals the 'curt' sense.
Betydelse
curt or dismissive in manner
Ordkombinationer
offhand manner
|offhand tone
|offhand way
|offhand response
|offhand refusal
|offhand treatment
Synonymer
curt (More direct about being brief and abrupt.)
|
brusque (More formal; emphasizes abruptness.)
|
dismissive (Emphasizes treating something as unimportant.)
Antonymer
polite (Shows respect and good manners.)
|
warm (Friendly and welcoming rather than abrupt.)
Teman
communication
|social_relations
|emotions
Definition
a little rude and not friendly
Showing little interest or respect; rather abrupt, unfriendly, or dismissive.
Grammatik
Grundform
offhand
IPA
GB/ˈɔfhˈænd/
US/ˈɔfhˈænd/
Stavelser och betoning
off - hand (2 stavelser)
Stress on 1st syllable (off)
Ordformer
Adjective
- Base: offhand
Ordfamilj
Related words
offhanded
adjective
offhandedly
adverb
Advanced or less common
offhandedness
noun
Uttryck
offhand comment
1/ˈɔfhˈænd kˈɑmɛnt/
fixed phrase
quick casual comment
a quick, casual comment
Exempel
- 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.
Exempel för inlärare
- 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
Exempel
- 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.
Exempel för inlärare
- 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
Exempel
- 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.
Exempel för inlärare
- 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
Exempel
- 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.
Exempel för inlärare
- He gave an offhand response.