Translate offset | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of offset
noun
Pronunciation:
/ˈôfˌset, ˈäf-/ 1a consideration or amount that diminishes or balances the effect of a contrary one:an offset against taxable profits
2the amount or distance by which something is out of line:these wheels have an offset of four inches Surveying a short distance measured perpendicularly from the main line of measurement. Electronics a small deviation or bias in a voltage or current.
3a side shoot from a plant serving for propagation. a spur in a mountain range.
4 Architecture a sloping ledge in a wall or other feature where the thickness of the part above is diminished.
5a bend in a pipe to carry it past an obstacle.
6 [often as modifier] a method of printing in which ink is transferred from a plate or stone to a uniform rubber surface and from that to the paper.
verb
Pronunciation:
/ˌôfˈset, ˌäf-/ 1 [with object] counteract (something) by having an opposing force or effect:the deficit has been more than offset by capital inflows
2 [with object] place out of line:several places where the ridge was offset at right angles to its length
3 [no object] (of ink or a freshly printed page) transfer an impression to the next leaf or sheet.
