OFFHAND

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does offhand mean? 

• OFFHAND (adjective)
  The adjective OFFHAND has 2 senses:

1. with little or no preparation or forethought

2. casually thoughtless or inconsiderate

  Familiarity information: OFFHAND used as an adjective is rare.

• OFFHAND (adverb)
  The adverb OFFHAND has 2 senses:

1. without previous thought or preparation

2. in a casually inconsiderate manner

  Familiarity information: OFFHAND used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• OFFHAND (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

With little or no preparation or forethought

Synonyms:

ad-lib; extemporaneous; extemporary; extempore; impromptu; off-the-cuff; offhand; offhanded; unrehearsed

Context example:

a few unrehearsed comments

Similar:

unprepared (without preparation; not prepared for)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Casually thoughtless or inconsiderate

Synonyms:

offhand; offhanded

Context example:

she treated most men with offhand contempt

Similar:

careless (marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful)

• OFFHAND (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Without previous thought or preparation

Synonyms:

offhand; offhanded; offhandedly

Context example:

she had made these remarks offhandedly

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a casually inconsiderate manner

Synonyms:

offhand; offhanded; offhandedly

Context example:

she threw him over offhandedly without even a Dear-John letter

 Context examples 

My friend threw out the information in a very offhand way, but I saw that he cocked his eye at me to see if I had followed his reasoning.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Oh, I'm a lunger," Brissenden announced, offhand, a little later, having already stated that he came from Arizona.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

We will suppose that a minister needs information as to a point which involves the Navy, India, Canada and the bimetallic question; he could get his separate advices from various departments upon each, but only Mycroft can focus them all, and say offhand how each factor would affect the other.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)