off
UK: ɒf | US: ɔːf
adv. away from a place or position
prep. no longer attached or connected to something
adj. not operating or functioning
adj. (of food) no longer fresh
adj. (in sports) positioned behind the starting line or point
The word "off" traces back to Old English of or off, derived from Proto-Germanic af, meaning "away" or "from." It shares roots with German ab and Dutch af. Originally indicating physical separation, its meaning expanded to include abstract disconnection (e.g., "turn off") and states of inactivity (e.g., "the lights are off"). Its simplicity and versatility make it a core adverb/preposition in English.
She took her coat off before entering the house.
The meeting was called off due to bad weather.
The milk smells off; don’t drink it.
The runner was off by a fraction of a second.
He’s been off work for a week with the flu.