Meaning & Definition of word "Offset"
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Offset
/ˈɔːf.sɛt/
noun:
- 1. A payment or benefit that serves to make up for a loss or disadvantage.
- Example: The company offered a financial offset to employees affected by the relocation.
- 2. A counterbalance; something that reduces or counteracts the effect of something else.
- Example: The positive sales in the second quarter acted as an offset to the losses sustained in the first quarter.
verb:
- 1. To counteract or compensate for something.
- Example: The government plans to offset the tax increase with additional public services.
- 2. To place something in a position that is not directly aligned with something else.
- Example: The designer chose to offset the picture to the right for better visual appeal.
Etymology
Middle English, from off + set.
Common Phrases and Expressions
offset account:
An account designed to assist in balancing or compensating for another account.
carbon offset:
A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.
offset printing:
A widely used printing technique characterized by transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to paper.
Related Words
balance:
A condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
compensate:
To make up for something unwelcome or unpleasant by exerting an opposite force or effect.
counter:
A person or thing that acts against something else.
Slang Meanings of offset
Meaning: To cancel out or negate something.
Example Sentence: I had a late night, but I offset it with a long nap.
Meaning: To reduce the impact of something.
Example Sentence: His charm offset the awkwardness of the situation.