offset

Definition

Anything that acts as counterbalance; a compensating equivalent.

Etymology

From off- + set, used to construct the noun form of the verb to set off. Compare Middle English ofsetten (“to encumber, harass, beset, besiege”), from Old English ofsettan (“to press, oppress, overwhelm, crush”).

Example Sentences

• "Today's victory was an offset to yesterday's defeat."
• "There were more applicants for situations than vacancies, and nothing better or more congenial to my taste offering, I accepted a place in a Saloon. The salary was $100 per month, which was somewhat of an offset against the peculiarities of the position."
• "Later, Timberlake would tell Playboy that he noticed Ryan's talent from the offset, saying, 'I thought he had charisma that was just beaming, which has turned out to serve him really well as an actor.'"