How to pronounce offset
Say it like awf-SET. Offset has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SET).
- awf
- SET
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Offset pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awfKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- SETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of offset
American and British speakers say offset in essentially the same way: /ɔfˈsɛt/ in the US and /ˌɒfˈsɛt/ in the UK.
British respelling: of-SET.
Other ways to say offset
Offset also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- AWF-set /ˈɔfˌsɛt/
What does offset mean?
- compensate for or counterbalance“offset deposits and withdrawals”
- make up for“His skills offset his opponent's superior strength”
- cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface
- the time at which something is supposed to begin“they got an early start”“she knew from the get-go that he was the man for her”
- a compensating equivalent
- a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips
Where does offset come from?
From off- + set, used to construct the noun form of the verb to set off.
Words that rhyme with offset
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of offset.
Questions about saying offset
How do you pronounce offset?
Say awf-SET. The American pronunciation is /ɔfˈsɛt/. In British English it is /ˌɒfˈsɛt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in offset?
Offset has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SET). Broken into parts: awf · SET.
Do Americans and Brits say offset the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɔfˈsɛt/ and the British form is /ˌɒfˈsɛt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.