offhand

[ awf-hand, of- ]

adverb

1. cavalierly, curtly, or brusquely:

   to reply offhand.

   Synonyms: abruptly, shortly, short

2. without previous thought or preparation; extempore:

   to decide offhand to take a trip.

adjective

1. informal, casual, curt, or brusque:

   an offhand manner.

   Synonyms: extempore, impromptu

2. Also offhanded. done or made offhand.

   Synonyms: extempore, impromptu

   Antonyms: considered

3. Glassmaking. working manually and without the use of molds:

   offhand blowing.

offhand

/ ˌɒfˈhænd /

adjective

1. without care, thought, or consideration; sometimes, brusque or ungracious

   an offhand manner

2. without preparation or warning; impromptu

Derived Forms

• ˌoffˈhandedness, noun
• ˌoffˈhandedly, adverb

Other Words From

• offhanded·ly adverb
• offhanded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of offhand¹

First recorded in 1685–95; off + hand

Example Sentences

When his assertions were challenged, he dismissed the criticism offhand, saying “I have other data,” and moving on.

From Los Angeles Times

At Singer’s offhand suggestion, Waskow adapted a “spaghetti western melody” from their old short film “Dear Mr. Vandekurt” — and a beat from the Jesus and Mary Chain — into the bass-heavy track.

From Los Angeles Times

“There is a kind of offhand intimacy to her work,” said Susan Kismaric, the former curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where Ms. van Manen’s work has been exhibited.

From New York Times

But not before scoping some of the rock ‘n’ roll swag adorning the walls and making “some offhand comments about how the place felt authentic and real.”

From Seattle Times

Grabol is an economical actor, able to communicate a world of emotion through her liquid eyes and seemingly offhand movements.

From New York Times

Related Words

• casual
• curt
• easygoing
• folksy
• glib
• perfunctory