Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Not for official publication or attribution: Used to indicate that information is given confidentially and should not be recorded, quoted, or publicly cited by the recipient, especially a journalist.

Usage

• The phrase "off the record" is used to preface a statement that the speaker wishes to remain confidential. It is a request for privacy and non-attribution, commonly used in conversations with the media, during sensitive discussions, or in informal briefings.
• It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a statement to clarify its status.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The official stated, off the record, that the negotiations were more difficult than reported.
  • Just between us, and this is off the record, the project is over budget.
  • He provided those details off the record, so you cannot use his name in the article.

Advanced Usage

• "to go off the record": To begin speaking with the understanding that the information will not be formally attributed.
  • Before I answer that, let me go off the record for a moment.
• "to be off the record": Describes the confidential status of a conversation or remark.
  • Our entire lunch conversation was off the record.

Variants and Related Words

• On background: A related journalistic term where information can be used but not attributed to a specific source.
• Not for attribution: Similar to "off the record," meaning the information can be used but the source cannot be named.
• Confidentially: (Adverb) In a way that is intended to be kept secret.

Synonyms

• Unofficially: Not according to official procedure or in a formal capacity.
• Confidentially: In a way that is meant to be private or secret.
• Privately: In a private manner, not for public knowledge.

Related Phrases

• On the record: The opposite, meaning information is given for official publication and attribution.
  • The senator's comments were made on the record.
• For your ears only: An informal phrase emphasizing that information is strictly confidential.

Adverb

1. not for quotation
   • he spoke to the reporter off the record