offset
Base form
offset
/ˈɒfset//ˈɔːfset/
Past simple
offset
/ˈɒfset//ˈɔːfset/
Past participle
offset
/ˈɒfset//ˈɔːfset/
MeaningC1
to balance one thing against another so that it has less effect
carbon offsetting
In use
- After a modal verb · Form 1Higher prices may offset the extra costs.
- Question · Form 1Can planting trees really offset a long flight?
- Past simple · Form 2Last year strong sales abroad offset the losses at home.
- Past simple · Form 2In 2022 the firm offset its emissions by planting a forest.
- Passive · Form 3The cost of the new roof was offset by lower heating bills.
- Present perfect · Form 3Rising rents have offset any pay rise we got.
Watch out
Offset is off + set, and set never changes: offsetted and offsat are wrong.
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