# offhand

/ˈɔfˈhænd/ (US) · /ˈɒfhænd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/offhand
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

you say or do something without planning or thinking much first. You use it for quick, casual comments or answers.

For teachers: spoken or done without preparation or careful thought, often in a casual or spontaneous way. Typically describes remarks, answers, or manner.

## Examples

- She makes an offhand joke about the cold weather.
- During the meeting he makes an offhand remark about delays that worries the whole team.
- What sounded like an offhand comment about moving abroad later revealed months of quiet planning and doubt.

## Synonyms

unplanned

## Antonyms

planned, prepared, deliberate

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also follows linking verbs such as 'be' or 'seem'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.