The spelling of the word "off for" may confuse some English learners. Its pronunciation is /ɒf/ /fɔː/ and it's often used to indicate one's departure or journey. The word "off" is spelled with two F's and can also mean "away from" or "not on." While "for" means "in order to" or "because of." Together, these two words create an informal phrasal verb with a unique meaning. So, when you hear someone saying "I'm off for the weekend," don't be confused. They're simply letting you know they're headed out on a journey!
The phrase "off for" is primarily used as a phrasal verb and can have multiple meanings depending on the context.
One possible definition of "off for" is when someone is leaving or setting out towards a particular destination or goal. It can imply starting a journey or departure from a place to reach another location. For example, "I'm off for the weekend" suggests that the speaker is leaving their current location to spend the weekend elsewhere. In this context, "off for" indicates the act of departing or moving towards a specific direction or purpose.
Another definition of "off for" can refer to taking time off from work, school, or usual activities. It expresses the idea of being away or having a break. For instance, "I'm off for a few days" suggests that the person will not be available as they will be taking time off in the near future. This usage indicates not being engaged in one's regular responsibilities or duties for a temporary period.
In both cases, "off for" implies a sense of movement or change from the current state to a different one, whether it is a physical departure towards a new location or a break from usual activities.
The phrase "off for" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two common words: "off" and "for".
The word "off" is derived from the Old English word "of" or "off", which meant "away" or "down". It has been used in the English language since the 9th century.
The word "for" is also from Old English, stemming from the word "foran" or "foræftan", which meant "before" or "in front of". Over time, it evolved to have various meanings and functions in English.
When used together, the phrase "off for" typically indicates movement or departure towards a particular destination. For example, if someone says they are "off for a walk", it means they are leaving to go on a walk. The phrase can be used in various contexts to convey departure or movement away from a place.