ENGLISH
REFERENCE

offline

adv. · adj. · v.
US //ˈɔˌfɫaɪn// UK //ˈɒflaɪn// off·line
  1. 1 not connected to the internet (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    while not connected to the internet or a computer network.

    in a state of being disconnected from a central network or the internet.

    Example

    You can still draft your emails offline and send them later when you have Wi-Fi.

    Example

    The software allows researchers to collect data offline in remote areas where satellite connectivity is intermittent or non-existent.

    Usage

    Often functions as an adverb of manner following the verb.
  2. 2 outside of a meeting (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Business

    to discuss something later in private instead of during a group meeting.

    to engage in a private or separate discussion outside the current formal forum or meeting.

    Example

    That is a good point, but let's take this conversation offline so we don't waste the group's time.

    Example

    The manager suggested taking the budget dispute offline to avoid derailment of the general project briefing.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrasal construction 'to take [something] offline'.
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  1. 3 disconnected (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    describes a computer or system that is not connected to the internet.

    pertaining to a system or device that is not currently linked to a network or the power grid.

    Example

    The printer is offline, so I cannot print my homework right now.

    Example

    The primary server went offline following a localized power failure, triggering the immediate activation of the backup system.
  2. 4 in the physical world (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    happening in real life rather than on the internet.

    occurring in the physical world as opposed to a virtual or digital environment.

    Example

    It was nice to finally meet my gaming friends at an offline event.

    Example

    The retailer is struggling to balance its digital marketing strategy with the declining foot traffic in its offline stores.
  3. 5 to disconnect a system (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    to stop a system or machine from being connected to a network.

    to deliberately disconnect a system, server, or component from an active network state.

    Example

    The engineers had to offline the server to perform emergency repairs.

    Example

    The administrator decided to offline the affected nodes to prevent the malware from spreading across the entire corporate network.

    Usage

    Used as a transitive verb taking a system or device as its object.
Origin

From off- + line.

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