offset
v.v. to balance the effect of something by doing something else. You use this when you want to make up for a negative result with a positive one.
v. to counterbalance or compensate for something by providing an equivalent value or effect. Often describes the mitigation of costs, emissions, or negative impacts through an opposing positive action.
The company planted trees to offset its carbon emissions.
The high price of the new apartment was offset by the fact that it was very close to my office.
While the initial investment in solar panels is significant, the long-term savings on electricity bills eventually offset the upfront costs, making it a financially sound decision for most homeowners.
From off- + set, used to construct the noun form of the verb to set off. Compare Middle English ofsetten (“to encumber, harass, beset, besiege”), from Old English ofsettan (“to press, oppress, overwhelm, crush”).
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the cost or effect being balanced.
The gains offsetted the lossesThe gains offset the lossesThe past tense and past participle of 'offset' is 'offset', not 'offsetted'.