English Reference
adverb · preposition · adjective · verb

off

adv. · prep. · adj. · v.
US /ˈɔf/ UK /ˈɒf/ off UK spelling offed, offs

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adv.moving away from a person or a place.

    adv.indicating movement in a direction away from a reference point or speaker.

    Simple

    The thief ran off before the police could arrive at the shop.

    In context

    The hikers set off at dawn, hoping to reach the summit before the afternoon heat became unbearable.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    adv.into a state where a machine or light is no longer working.

    adv.indicating the cessation of operation or the disconnection of an electrical circuit.

    Simple

    Please turn the lights off when you leave the classroom.

    In context

    The safety mechanism automatically switches the power off if the internal temperature exceeds a specific threshold.

    on
  3. 03 A1 Beginner

    prep.away from a surface or position.

    prep.indicating a position away from or no longer in contact with a surface.

    Simple

    Keep your feet off the sofa while you are wearing shoes.

    In context

    The cat jumped off the fence and disappeared into the thick bushes behind the garden shed.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    prep.near to a place, especially out at sea near the coast.

    prep.indicating proximity to a location, typically used for ships or islands relative to a coastline.

    Simple

    The ship sank just off the coast of Ireland during the storm.

    In context

    The small island lies just off the mainland, accessible only by a private ferry that runs twice daily.

  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    adj.not operating, or describing an event that will not happen.

    adj.describing a state of non-operation or the cancellation of a previously scheduled event.

    Simple

    The wedding is off because the couple decided to wait another year.

    In context

    The heating has been off all morning, leaving the office uncomfortably cold for the staff.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate British English

    adj.food that is no longer fresh or safe to eat.

    adj.describing food or drink that has begun to decay or has become sour.

    Simple

    Don't drink that milk; I think it smells a bit off.

    In context

    The chef insisted on discarding the cream, noting that it had gone off due to the refrigeration failure overnight.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    adj.not at work or school, usually because of a holiday or being sick.

    adj.absent from one's place of employment or duty.

    Simple

    She is off today with a bad cold, so she won't answer her emails.

    In context

    Most of the senior staff are off on annual leave this week, so the decision will have to wait until Monday.

  8. 08 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adj.behaving in a way that is slightly rude or not as friendly as usual.

    adj.describing behaviour that is socially inappropriate, unfriendly, or below a standard of expected politeness.

    Simple

    He was a bit off with me this morning, and I don't know why.

    In context

    Her tone during the meeting was somewhat off, suggesting a level of frustration she was trying to hide from the clients.

  9. 09 C1 Advanced Slang

    v.a slang word meaning to kill someone.

    v.to murder or assassinate someone. Transitive use.

    Simple

    In the movie, the gang leader decided to off his rival.

    In context

    The plot of the thriller revolves around a professional hitman hired to off a high-ranking government official.

  10. 10 A1 Beginner

    adv.so that something is no longer attached or worn.

    adv.indicating the removal of clothing or the separation of a part from a whole.

    Simple

    He took his coat off as soon as he entered the warm house.

    In context

    The label had been torn off the bottle, making it impossible to identify the contents without a chemical test.

    on
This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated