Offset

Quick meaning: Offset is a noun meaning Anything that acts as counterbalance; a compensating equivalent.

Meaning

Anything that acts as counterbalance; a compensating equivalent.

More Meanings

1. (c. 1555) A time at which something begins; outset.
2. (programming) The difference between a target memory address and a base address.
3. (signal analysis) The displacement between the base level of a measurement and the signal's real base level.
4. The distance by which one thing is out of alignment with another.
5. (surveying) A short distance measured at right angles from a line actually run to some point in an irregular boundary, or to some object.
6. (printing, often attributive) The offset printing process, in which ink is carried from a metal plate to a rubber blanket and from there to the printing surface.
7. (international trade) A form of countertrade arrangement, in which the seller agrees to purchase within a set time frame products of a certain value from the buying country. This kind of agreement may be used in large international public sector contracts such as arms sales.

Example Sentences

offset process

offset lithographs

Today's victory was an offset to yesterday's defeat.

An array of bytes uses its index as the offset, of words a multiple thereof.

Word Forms

• offsets
• off-set
• offsetting
• offsetted

Synonyms for offset

Depending on context, synonyms include counterbalance, countervail, equivalence, offlay, offstand, set off.

Antonyms for offset

Common opposites include surmount, overcome, overpoise, overpower, end, middle.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include counterbalance, beginning, outset, commencement, countervail, start.

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