How Do You Spell HANG OFF?

Pronunciation: [hˈaŋ ˈɒf] (IPA)

The phrase "hang off" is spelled with the [ɔː] vowel sound in the second word. This sound is denoted by the symbol "ɔː" in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The letter "o" represents this sound in words like "off", "cost", and "soft". In American English, the word stress is typically placed on the first syllable, whereas in British English, it is often shifted to the second syllable, resulting in a slightly different pronunciation.

HANG OFF Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "hang off" has multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used.

   1. As a phrasal verb, "hang off" may refer to the action of suspending or attaching something while leaving a part of it unsupported. For example, one might say, "The branches of the tree hang off the edge of the cliff," implying that the branches are extended over the cliff without any support beneath.

   2. In a figurative sense, "hang off" can mean to postpone or delay taking action or making a decision. It suggests a state of hesitation or wavering. For instance, a person who is uncertain about accepting a job offer might say, "I'm going to hang off on giving them my answer until I've had time to think about it."

   3. Another definition of "hang off" is to maintain a reserve or hold back from fully participating in a discussion or activity. It conveys the idea of being reluctant or reserved. For example, during a group debate, someone might choose to "hang off and listen" before contributing their own opinions.

   4. In some dialects, particularly British English, "hang off" is used to indicate maintaining a certain distance or staying away from someone or something. This can be employed in various situations, such as warning someone to "hang off from that dog as it might bite."

   In short, "hang off" can mean suspending or attaching something unsupported, postponing or delaying action, maintaining a distance, or being hesitant or reserved.

Common Misspellings for HANG OFF

• hangoff

Etymology of HANG OFF

The phrase "hang off" is a combination of the verb "hang" and the preposition "off". The word "hang" can be traced back to the Old English word "hōn", which means "to be suspended or attached from above without support from below". It is also related to the Old Norse word "hǫngva" and the Old High German word "hangan".

The preposition "off" comes from the Old English "of", which originally meant "away, from". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "af".

When combined, "hang off" describes a state where something is suspended or attached from above but not fully supported below. It is commonly used to describe objects or body parts that project or extend from a higher point.

Idioms with the word HANG OFF

• hang off To hang off means to depend on or be contingent upon something or someone. It is often used in a financial or logistical context to describe a situation where one thing cannot proceed without another.