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Added 10 October 2026

offset

/ˈɒf.sɛt/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about offset at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The time at which something is supposed to begin.
they got an early start
A compensating equivalent.
A horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips.

verb

Compensate for or counterbalance.
offset deposits and withdrawals
Make up for.
His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
Cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface.

Origin

From off- + set, used to construct the noun form of the verb to set off. Compare Middle English ofsetten (“to encumber, harass, beset, besiege”), from Old English ofsettan (“to press, oppress, overwhelm, crush”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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