Definition

1. Noun:
   • The beginning of something, especially an event or activity: "start-off" refers to the initial point or commencement of a process, competition, or event.
   • A signal or action that begins a contest or race: In competitive contexts, it is the official moment when participants begin.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The start-off of the marathon was delayed due to heavy rain. (The beginning of the marathon was delayed due to heavy rain.)
  • A loud gunshot served as the start-off for the bicycle race. (A loud gunshot served as the signal to begin the bicycle race.)

Advanced Usage

• "to give someone/something a start-off": to provide an initial advantage or opportunity.
  • The scholarship gave her career a great start-off. (The scholarship provided a very advantageous beginning for her career.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kickoff (n): An alternative term, often used interchangeably, especially for sporting events or projects.
  • The project kickoff is scheduled for Monday.
• Start (n/v): The base form, a more general term for a beginning.
• Commencement (n): A more formal synonym for a beginning or start.

Synonyms

• Beginning: The point in time or space at which something starts.
• Onset: The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant.
• Outset: The start or beginning of something.

Related Phrases

• From the start-off: From the very beginning.
  • We encountered problems from the start-off. (We encountered problems from the very beginning.)

Notes on Usage

• "Start-off" is primarily used as a noun. The phrasal verb form is "start off" (two words).
• As a phrasal verb, "to start off" means to begin a journey, activity, or speech.
  • We will start off the meeting with introductions. (We will begin the meeting with introductions.)
  • He started off by thanking everyone for coming. (He began his speech by thanking everyone for coming.)

Noun

1. a start given to contestants
   • I was there with my parents at the kickoff