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Offset: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：compensate for (offset)
offset
/ɒfˈset/
vt.
To compensate for or balance the effect of something else, especially in terms of cost or money.
compensate for
➕
/ˈkɒmpənseɪt fɔːr/
vt.
To make up for something negative by providing an equivalent positive effect, especially in financial or cost-related situations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'off' (away) + 'set' (place), meaning to set off or counterbalance.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of setting something off to balance another, like offsetting costs with savings.
📖 Example
The high salary offset the long commuting time, making the job offer very attractive.
A high salary balances out the long commute, making the job appealing.
🔗 Collocations
offset the cost – compensate for the expense
offset against tax – deduct from taxable income
offset a loss – balance a financial deficit
🔄 Synonyms
compensate (vt.) – to make up for something
balance (vt.) – to equalize or counteract
counteract (vt.) – to act against something to reduce its effect
🚫 Antonyms
worsen (vt.) – to make something worse
exacerbate (vt.) – to make a problem more severe
🌱 Derivatives
offsetting (n.) – the act of compensating or balancing
offset (n.) – something that compensates or balances
📖 Cultural Story
Originated in offset printing, where ink transfers from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to paper. Extended metaphorically to mean balancing or compensating in various contexts.
Meaning 2：balance environmental impact (offset)
offset
/ɒfˈset/
vt.
To take action to reduce or balance the negative environmental impact of an activity, often by doing something positive elsewhere.
balance environmental impact
➕
/ˈbæləns ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/
vt.
To take positive actions to neutralize negative effects on the environment, such as by planting trees to counter carbon emissions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company plants trees to offset the carbon emissions produced by its delivery vehicles.
By planting trees, the company balances out the carbon emissions from its vehicles.
🔗 Collocations
offset carbon emissions – compensate for greenhouse gas release
offset environmental damage – counteract harm to nature
offset pollution – balance out contaminants
🔄 Synonyms
neutralize (vt.) – to make something ineffective
mitigate (vt.) – to make less severe
compensate (vt.) – to make up for something
🚫 Antonyms
exacerbate (vt.) – to make a problem worse
increase (vt.) – to make larger in amount
🌱 Derivatives
offsetting (n.) – the act of compensating or balancing
offset (n.) – something that compensates or balances
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