offset

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the time at which something is supposed to begin
  2. noun a compensating equivalent
  3. noun a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips

Etymology

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

beginning, commencement, first, outset, get-go, start, kickoff, starting time, showtime

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