offbeat
|off-beat|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːfˌbiːt/
🇬🇧
/ˈɒfˌbiːt/
unconventional
Etymology
Etymology Information
'offbeat' originates from the combination of 'off' and 'beat', where 'off' meant 'away from' and 'beat' referred to the regular rhythm in music.
Historical Evolution
'offbeat' was first used in the 20th century to describe music that did not follow the regular rhythm, and eventually became a term for anything unconventional.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'not following the regular rhythm', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unconventional or unusual'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
unconventional or unusual.
Her offbeat sense of humor always surprises people.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35