adj
offhand
awf-HAND
adj
1
Said or done without preparation or careful thought.
"He gave an offhand answer without checking the facts."
2
Curt or dismissive in manner.
"Her offhand tone made him feel unwelcome."
adv
1
Without prior thought or preparation; off the top of one's head.
"I can't tell you the exact date offhand, but I'll check."
How to Use Offhand
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaid or done casually, without preparation — or, said of manner, a bit curt.
Common pairings
offhand remark
off the top of my head
an offhand manner
Word Forms
more offhand comparative, more offhand comparative, most offhand superlative, most offhand superlative
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Etymology
From an old sense of "off hand" meaning done immediately, without planning ahead — as if the answer came straight off the hand rather than being carefully worked out.