Offhandedly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Offhandedly means doing or saying something in a casual, careless, or unprepared manner, often without much thought or effort. It suggests a lack of formality or seriousness.
Definition:
Done without preparation or thought, casually or spontaneously.
Synonyms:
casually, spontaneously, impulsively, nonchalantly
Part of Speech:
adverb
Antonyms:
carefully, thoughtfully, deliberately
Common Collocations:
speak offhandedly, answer offhandedly, remark offhandedly
Derivatives:
offhandedness, offhanded
Usage Tips:
Use "offhandedly" to describe actions or remarks made without prior thought or preparation.
Common Phrases:
off the cuff, on the spur of the moment
Etymology:
Derived from "offhand," meaning without preparation, first recorded in the early 19th century.
Examples:
- 1. She answered his question offhandedly without looking up from her book.
- 2. He shrugged offhandedly when asked about his plans for the weekend.
- 3. The teacher remarked offhandedly that the test might be postponed.
- 4. She tossed her keys offhandedly onto the table as she walked in.