Meaning & Definition of word "Offset"

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.