How Do You Spell BE OFF?

Pronunciation: [biː ˈɒf] (IPA)

The phrase "be off" is commonly spelled with the letters B-E-O-F-F. This represents the sounds /bi/ for the first syllable and /ɒf/ for the second syllable. In terms of phonetic transcription, the first syllable can also be written as /bɪ/ to show the short "i" sound. The second syllable is spelled with the letter "o" and the letter "f", which together represent the sound /ɒf/ or /ɔːf/, depending on dialect. The phrase "be off" is often used to mean "go away" or "leave".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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BE OFF Meaning and Definition

  1. "Be off" is a phrasal verb that can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It is typically used in informal or colloquial speech. Here is a dictionary definition of "be off" with 200 words:

    1. To leave or depart from a particular place or location. This can refer to physically moving away from a place or ending one's presence in an event or situation. Example: "I must be off now, I have an appointment to attend."

    2. To experience a decrease in quality, taste, or freshness. This is often used to describe food, beverages, or other perishable items that are no longer in their prime condition. Example: "This milk has gone bad; it's definitely off."

    3. To be incorrect, inaccurate, or not to one's satisfaction. This is commonly used to express disapproval or dissatisfaction with something. Example: "The color of this shirt is off; it's not what I expected."

    4. To not be functioning properly or not in its usual state. This can apply to machinery, appliances, or electronic devices that are not working as intended. Example: "The Wi-Fi is off; we need to restart the router."

    5. To be absent or not attending an event, appointment, or obligation. This can imply a lack of commitment or refusal to participate. Example: "John was expected to be here, but he is off again, missing important meetings."

    Overall, "be off" is a versatile phrasal verb that encompasses various meanings, depending on its specific usage in a sentence.

Common Misspellings for BE OFF

  • beoff
  • ve off
  • he off
  • bw off
  • bs off
  • br off
  • b4 off
  • b3 off
  • be iff
  • be kff
  • be lff
  • be pff
  • be 0ff
  • be 9ff
  • be odf
  • be ocf
  • be ogf
  • be otf
  • be orf
  • be ofc
  • be ofv

Etymology of BE OFF

The word "be off" is a phrasal verb, consisting of the verb "be" and the adverb "off". Here is the etymology of each component:

1. "Be": This verb comes from the Old English word "bēon", which has Germanic roots. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*bēną" or "*būną". The word "be" has been used as a copula, auxiliary verb, and a main verb in English, conveying various aspects, including existence, identity, condition, and more.

2. "Off": This adverb comes from the Old English word "of" with Germanic origins. It stems from the Proto-Germanic word "*af", which means "away, off, or down from". "Off" indicates separation, removal, or departure from a place or state.

Idioms with the word BE OFF

  • be off your food The idiom "be off your food" means to have a reduced or lack of appetite, resulting in not feeling hungry or not being able to eat as much as usual. It often occurs due to illness, stress, or loss of interest in eating.
  • be off your head The idiom "be off your head" means to be crazy, insane, or completely irrational in one's thoughts or actions. It suggests a state of mind that is not in accordance with logic or reason.
  • be off the mark The idiom "be off the mark" means to be inaccurate or incorrect in one's judgment, assumption, or estimation. It refers to someone's statements, predictions, or actions failing to align with the truth or reality.
  • be off your nut The idiom "be off your nut" means to be crazy, insane, or mentally unstable. It refers to someone who is displaying irrational or unusual behavior.
  • be off base The idiom "be off base" means to be incorrect, mistaken, or misinformed about something. It refers to being unreliable or inaccurate in one's assertions, assumptions, or judgments.
  • be off beam The idiom "be off beam" means to be incorrect, mistaken, or inaccurate in one's thinking, understanding, or judgment. It refers to being in error or deviating from the correct or expected course.
  • be off the wall The idiom "be off the wall" is used to describe something or someone as unconventional, eccentric, or peculiar in behavior or ideas. It refers to something that is outside of the norm and unexpected.
  • I must be off The idiom "I must be off" means that someone needs to leave or depart from a place. It is often used as a polite way to indicate that it is time for them to go.
  • be off the radar The idiom "be off the radar" refers to someone or something that is not being noticed, monitored, or taken into account. It means to be out of sight or to have low visibility from public or authoritative attention. It can also suggest being untraceable or undetectable by others.
  • be off the rails The idiom "be off the rails" refers to a situation or a person's behavior that has become chaotic, out of control, or deviated from the expected or normal course. It expresses the idea of someone or something metaphorically straying from the intended path, plan, or societal norms.
  • be off (one's) dot To be off one's dot means to be crazy, mentally unstable, or irrational in behavior or thoughts. It implies someone is not thinking clearly or behaving strangely.
  • be off feed The idiom "be off feed" refers to someone or something having a lack of appetite or not feeling well enough to eat. It can be used to describe a person or animal who is experiencing a temporary loss of appetite due to illness or a physical ailment.
  • be off for sth The idiom "be off for sth" means to have enough or a sufficient amount of something. It indicates that there is no need for more of that particular thing at the present moment.
  • be off the grid The idiom "be off the grid" refers to someone or something that is disconnected or removed from the conventional systems or networks, especially in reference to utilities or communication. It usually signifies being outside the reach or control of authorities or institutions and often implies living self-sufficiently without relying on modern technology or infrastructure.
  • be off (one's) guard The idiom "be off (one's) guard" means to be not prepared or vigilant, usually resulting in being caught by surprise or being susceptible to harm or deception. It suggests being in a state of relaxation or lowered awareness, making it easier for someone or something to take advantage.
  • be off (one's) food The idiom "be off (one's) food" refers to someone experiencing a loss of appetite or lack of interest in eating. It suggests that the person is not enjoying or desiring their usual meals or food.
  • be off (one's) nut The idiom "be off (one's) nut" is used to describe someone who is mentally unstable, crazy, or insane. It implies that the person's thoughts or actions are irrational or illogical.
  • be off (one's) chump The idiom "be off (one's) chump" means to be crazy, insane, or mentally unstable. It suggests that someone is acting irrationally or displaying peculiar behavior.
  • be off (one's) rocker The idiom "be off (one's) rocker" means to be crazy, insane, or mentally unstable. It implies that someone's thoughts, behavior, or ideas are irrational or unreasonable.
  • be off your trolley The idiom "be off your trolley" is used to describe someone who is behaving in a crazy or irrational manner. It implies that the person is mentally unstable or has lost touch with reality.
  • be off to a false start To "be off to a false start" means to begin something unsuccessfully or with difficulties from the very beginning. It suggests that one's initial attempt at doing something is thwarted or fails to meet expectations, often resulting in setbacks or delays in achieving the desired outcome.
  • be off your chump The idiom "be off your chump" means to be crazy, irrational, or acting in a foolish manner. It suggests that someone is behaving in a way that is not logical or sensible.
  • be off (one's) trolley The idiom "be off (one's) trolley" means to be irrational, crazy, or mentally unstable. It describes someone who is behaving in a way that does not make sense or is completely bizarre.
  • be off the ground The idiom "be off the ground" means that a project or venture has started or is making progress. It indicates that something has moved past the initial planning or discussion phase and has begun to be put into action.
  • be off the danger list The idiom "be off the danger list" refers to a situation where someone or something is no longer in a risky or hazardous situation. It suggests that a person or thing has successfully escaped potential harm or threat and is now considered safe.
  • be off the (starting) blocks The idiom "be off the (starting) blocks" means to begin or start something quickly and efficiently. It originates from the sport of track and field, where "starting blocks" are used to provide a stable and powerful position for a runner to begin a race. Therefore, being "off the (starting) blocks" implies a swift and well-executed start in any endeavor.
  • be off your rocker The idiom "be off your rocker" means to be crazy, insane, or mentally unstable. It is often used humorously to describe someone's irrational behavior or beliefs.
  • be off like a prom dress (in May) The phrase "be off like a prom dress (in May)" is a playful and humorous idiom that means to leave or depart quickly and abruptly. It implies a sudden and unexpected departure, similar to how a prom dress may be swiftly discarded or removed at the end of a prom night. The addition of "in May" serves to emphasize the unexpected timing, as proms typically take place in spring, not May specifically.
  • be off the hook The idiom "be off the hook" typically means to be released from an obligation, responsibility, or from being in trouble. It implies getting out of a difficult or problematic situation and no longer being held accountable for something.
  • be off the beaten path The idiom "be off the beaten path" means to go or be in a location that is far away from the usual or well-known places, typically referring to less crowded or less popular areas. It suggests exploring or choosing an unconventional or less-traveled route, deviating from the common path or mainstream choices.
  • be off the beaten track
  • be off-color To be off-color means to be inappropriate, offensive, or vulgar in speech or behavior.
  • be off-kilter "Be off-kilter" means to be unbalanced, not quite right, or not in the correct position. It can also refer to someone who is behaving in a strange or unusual way.
  • be off! "Be off!" is an informal expression that is used to tell someone to leave quickly or go away.