Offset

Offset

Verb, Noun & Adjective · /ˈɒfset/ · to counterbalance or compensate

Definition

To counteract or compensate for something by means of an equal and opposite force or effect. As a noun: a counterbalancing amount or factor. Also used in printing, computing, and finance.

Origin

Compound of Old English of (off) + settan (to set). Originally a physical printing term — a secondary impression from a freshly printed sheet — later extended to mean any compensating displacement.