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offset (n.)

1550s, "act of setting off" (on a journey, etc.), from off + set (adj.). Meaning "something 'set off' against something else, a counterbalance" is from 1769; the verb in this sense is from 1792. As a type of printing, in which the inked impression is first made on a rubber roller then transferred to paper, it is recorded from 1906.

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Definitions of offset from WordNet
1
offset (n.)
the time at which something is supposed to begin;
Synonyms: beginning / commencement / first / outset / get-go / start / kickoff / starting time / showtime
offset (n.)
a compensating equivalent;
Synonyms: counterbalance
offset (n.)
a horizontal branch from the base of plant that produces new plants from buds at its tips;
Synonyms: stolon / runner
offset (n.)
a natural consequence of development;
Synonyms: outgrowth / branch / offshoot
offset (n.)
a plate makes an inked impression on a rubber-blanketed cylinder, which in turn transfers it to the paper;
Synonyms: offset printing
offset (n.)
structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly;
Synonyms: set-back / setoff
2
offset (v.)
compensate for or counterbalance;
offset deposits and withdrawals
Synonyms: countervail
offset (v.)
make up for;
His skills offset his opponent's superior strength
Synonyms: cancel / set off
offset (v.)
cause (printed matter) to transfer or smear onto another surface;
offset (v.)
create an offset in;
offset a wall
offset (v.)
produce by offset printing;
offset the conference proceedings
From wordnet.princeton.edu