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off
/ɒf/
What does "off" mean?
away from a place or positionShe turned the light off before leaving the room.
She turned the light away from being on before leaving the room.
How to use "off" correctly?
general
away from a place or position
The plane took off from the runway.
The plane left the runway.
He took his shoes off before entering the house.
He removed his shoes before entering the house.
Often used with verbs like 'take', 'go', 'put', 'turn', or 'switch'.
general
not operating or functioning
The power is off in the building.
The power is not functioning in the building.
The computer is off.
The computer is not operating.
Used to describe something that is not in use or active.
general
not working or employed
He is off work today.
He is not working today.
She is off duty.
She is not on duty.
Used to describe someone who is not currently working or on duty.
general
not correct or accurate
Your answer is off by a mile.
Your answer is not correct.
The clock is off by five minutes.
The clock is not accurate.
Used to describe something that is incorrect or inaccurate.
informal
not in a good mood or not feeling well
He is off his food today.
He is not feeling well and not eating.
She is off color.
She is not feeling well.
Used informally to describe someone who is not feeling well or is in a bad mood.
Collocations
take offto remove something, such as clothing or shoesput offto postpone or delay somethingturn offto switch something off or to stop it from operatingswitch offto turn something off or to stop it from operatinggo offto leave a place or to explodecome offto happen or to be removedget offto leave a place or to escape from somethingcall offto cancel somethingset offto start a journey or to cause something to explodetake offto become successful or popular
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Remember common collocations with 'off' such as 'take off', 'put off', 'turn off', and 'switch off'.
Context Matters
The meaning of 'off' can vary depending on the context. Pay attention to the verb it is used with.
Informal Usage
In informal contexts, 'off' can describe someone who is not feeling well or is in a bad mood.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'of', from Old English 'of', meaning 'away from'.
Usage Notes
The word 'off' is a versatile preposition, adverb, and adjective. It is often used with verbs like 'take', 'go', 'put', 'turn', or 'switch'. It can describe physical movement, the state of something not operating, or a state of not feeling well.
English Dictionary