offset

verb
UK: /ˈɒfset/
US: /ˈɔːfset/

  1. To balance one influence against an opposing one, so that there is no great difference as a result.

    1. The extra cost is offset by the lower price.
    2. Gains in exports offset losses in domestic sales, which is a good sign for the company.

  2. To pay for costs or losses in one area by having profits in another.

    1. We offset our carbon emissions by planting trees.
    2. The company needs to offset rising production costs by increasing efficiency.

  3. To create a space between two things.

    1. The handle is offset from the blade for safety.
    2. The building was offset slightly from the street to allow for a wider sidewalk.

Synonyms

allowance compensate deduction neutralize counterbalance
offset noun

  1. An amount that balances or contrasts something.

    1. The tax offset will help small businesses.
    2. What is the offset needed to balance the budget deficit this year?

  2. A consideration or amount that diminishes or balances the effect of something.

    1. The environmental offset involved planting new trees.
    2. He argued that the benefits were a sufficient offset for the risks involved.

  3. The amount by which something is out of line.

    1. Check the offset of the wheels before driving.
    2. There's a noticeable offset between the two halves of the image.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "offset" in English means: To balance one influence against an opposing one, so that there is no great difference as a result., To pay for costs or losses in one area by having profits in another., To create a space between two things..

The phonetic transcription of "offset" is /ˈɒfset/ in British English and /ˈɔːfset/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "offset": allowance, compensate, deduction, neutralize, counterbalance.

Example usage of "offset": "The extra cost is offset by the lower price.". More examples on the page.