Offhandedly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˌɑfˈhændədli/

Definitions

1. In a way that appears spontaneous and unconsidered, showing a lack of engagement or seriousness in the approach taken
2. Executed with an informal attitude that implies disinterest or a carefree disregard for detail and importance
3. In a manner that seems casual and unplanned, often indicating a lack of precision or concern about the implications of one's actions

Etymology: "Offhandedly" is simply "offhanded" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached, and the adjective itself is a compound of "off" and "hand," describing something done without the hand being fully engaged, that is, done quickly and without deliberate effort. The adverb's real story is in its suffix, which has been traveling for a very long time. The ending descends from a Proto-Germanic form built on a root meaning "body" or "form," which gave Old English the suffix "-līċe," meaning "in the manner of." Over the Middle English period it wore down to "-ly," the same ending found in countless manner adverbs like "quickly" and "softly." Because the suffix is so productive, English could attach it to almost any adjective, and "offhanded" was a natural candidate. The result is a word that describes an action done in an offhand manner, with the carefree, unbothered attitude the modern meaning implies.

Synonyms: casually, indifferently, nonchalantly, unconcernedly, flippantly

Antonyms: seriously, thoughtfully, considerately, attentively, deliberately