Offhandedness

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɑfˈhændədnəs/

Definitions

1. The quality of speaking or acting without prior thought or formality, often seeming casual or indifferent
2. A manner of communication or behavior that appears spontaneous and unprepared, sometimes seeming indifferent
3. An attitude or style characterized by informality and a lack of careful consideration or planning

Etymology: Offhandedness is a plain formation: the adjective "offhanded" with the suffix "-ness" added to turn a quality into a noun. The adjective itself is built from "off" and "hand," and the sense of doing something without preparation, as if it were done with one's hand idly rather than with full attention, lies behind both the adjective and the noun. The suffix has a long lineage, descending from an Old English form "-nes" that was used to make abstract nouns from adjectives, a pattern that has remained productive in English for centuries. Because the noun is simply the adjective plus a productive suffix, its meaning follows directly from "offhanded": a style of speaking or acting that is careless, casual, or done without ceremony. Its use describes a manner or attitude rather than a physical action, so it names the quality of being offhand rather than any single gesture.

Synonyms: casualness, indifference, nonchalance

Antonyms: seriousness, thoughtfulness