offset
/'ɔ:fset/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A compensating equivalent; something that counterbalances or makes up for something else: "offset" can refer to something that serves as compensation or counterbalance for a disadvantage or loss.
- A natural consequence or development: It can also refer to a natural result or byproduct of a process.
- A horizontal branch from the base of a plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips: In botany, "offset" is a type of plant propagation where a new plant grows from a lateral shoot.
- A structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly: In architecture, an "offset" is a setback or a part where a structure changes alignment.
- A plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper: In printing, "offset" refers to a specific lithographic technique.
- The time at which something is supposed to begin: Informally, it can mean a start point.
Verb:
- To make up for; to compensate for or counterbalance: The primary meaning is to use one thing to counteract or balance the effect of another.
- To produce by offset printing: To print something using the offset lithography method.
- To create an offset in; to cause a structure to have a setback or change in alignment: To design or build with a part that is not in a straight line.
- To cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface: In printing, an unwanted transfer of ink.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The lower taxes were an offset to the increased cost of living. (The tax reduction compensated for higher living expenses.)
- The plant produced several offsets around its base. (New plants grew from shoots at the bottom of the main plant.)
- The wall has a slight offset where it meets the older structure. (The wall is not perfectly aligned at the junction.)
Verb:
- Her enthusiasm offset her lack of experience. (Her positive attitude made up for her inexperience.)
- The book will be offset for mass production. (The book will be printed using the offset lithography method.)
- The architect offset the upper floor to create a terrace. (The designer set back the upper floor to make space for a terrace.)
Advanced Usage
"Carbon offset": A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide made to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere.
- The company purchased carbon offsets to neutralize the environmental impact of its operations.
"To be offset by": To be counterbalanced or compensated for by something.
- The initial high cost was offset by long-term energy savings.
Variants and Related Words
- Offsetting (adj/gerund): Serving to compensate or counterbalance.
- The offsetting benefits made the investment worthwhile.
Synonyms
- Noun: Compensation, counterbalance, equivalent, balance.
- Verb: Counterbalance, compensate (for), counteract, neutralize, make up for.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Offset" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms centered solely on the word "offset." Its use is typically direct and technical.)
Noun
- structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
- a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper
- a natural consequence of development
- a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
- a compensating equivalent
- the time at which something is supposed to begin
- they got an early start
- she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
Verb
- produce by offset printing
- offset the conference proceedings
- create an offset in
- offset a wall
- cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface
- make up for
- His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
- compensate for or counterbalance
- offset deposits and withdrawals