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Translation

offhanded

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The word "offhanded" is an adjective that describes a way of behaving or speaking that is casual, thoughtless, or inconsiderate. When someone is offhanded, they may not put much thought or care into their actions or words, which can sometimes come off as rude or dismissive.

Usage Instructions
  • As an Adjective: You can use "offhanded" to describe a manner of speaking or acting that seems careless or lacking in consideration.
  • As an Adverb: You can use the related form "offhandedly" to describe how someone does something in a casual or thoughtless way.
Examples
  1. Adjective Example: "She treated most men with offhand contempt, making it clear she didn't value their opinions."
  2. Adverb Example: "He replied offhandedly, as if he wasn't really paying attention to the conversation."
Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "offhanded" can describe comments or actions that are made without preparation or careful thought. For example, someone might give an "off-the-cuff" remark during a speech that lacks depth or insight.

Word Variants
  • Offhandedly (adverb): Describes the manner in which something is done casually or without care.
    • Example: "She offhandedly mentioned her plans without considering how they might affect others."
  • Offhandedness (noun): The quality of being offhanded.
    • Example: "His offhandedness in conversations often caused misunderstandings."
Different Meanings

While "offhanded" primarily refers to casualness or thoughtlessness, it can also imply a lack of preparation. For example, an "offhanded comment" might be a remark made without thinking it through, which could lead to awkward or unintended consequences.

Synonyms
  • Casual
  • Indifferent
  • Uncaring
  • Dismissive
  • Nonchalant
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "offhanded," but related phrases include: - Off the cuff: This means to speak or act without preparation, similar to "offhanded." - Throw someone over: To dismiss or abandon someone casually, which can relate to offhanded behavior.

Summary

"Offhanded" describes a casual and sometimes inconsiderate way of speaking or behaving. It suggests a lack of thoughtfulness or attention, both in how someone interacts with others and in the comments they make.

Adjective
  1. casually thoughtless or inconsiderate
    • an offhand manner
    • she treated most men with offhand contempt
  2. with little or no preparation or forethought
    • his ad-lib comments showed poor judgment
    • an extemporaneous piano recital
    • an extemporary lecture
    • an extempore skit
    • an impromptu speech
    • offhand excuses
    • trying to sound offhanded and reassuring
    • an off-the-cuff toast
    • a few unrehearsed comments
Adverb
  1. in a casually inconsiderate manner
    • replied offhand, his mind a million miles away
    • she threw him over offhandedly without even a Dear-John letter
  2. without previous thought or preparation
    • couldn't give the figures offhand
    • we decided offhand to go to Canada
    • she had made these remarks offhandedly

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