Definition

Adjective 1. In a position that violates the rules of a game: Specifically, in sports like soccer (football), hockey, or American football, being in an illegal position ahead of the ball or puck, or beyond a prescribed line, when the play begins or develops.

Usage

The word "offsides" (also commonly written as "offside") is used as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb like "was," "is," or "were." It describes a player's illegal positioning during active play. The call is made by an official.

Examples

• Soccer/Football:
• Ice Hockey:
• American Football:

Advanced Usage

• "to be ruled/called offsides": This is a common construction where the verb indicates the official's judgment.
  • The striker was ruled offsides by the assistant referee.
• "an offsides call/penalty/violation": Used as a modifier before a noun to describe the type of infraction.
  • The team's momentum was stopped by a costly offsides penalty.

Variants and Related Words

• Offside (adj.): This is the standard spelling in many sports contexts and rulebooks (e.g., "the offside rule"). "Offsides" is a common variant, especially in North American usage.
• Onside (adj.): The opposite state; being in a legal position according to the rules of the sport.
  • The winger timed his run perfectly to stay onside.

Synonyms

• Illegally positioned
• Ahead of the play (context-specific)

Antonyms

• Onside

Adjective

1. illegally beyond a prescribed line or area or ahead of the ball or puck
   • the touchdown was nullified because the left tackle was offside