off vs on

Definitions

adverb

1. at a distance in space or time
2. no longer on or in contact or attached
3. from a particular thing or place or position (`forth' is obsolete)

adjective

1. not performing or scheduled for duties
2. not in operation or operational
3. below a satisfactory level
4. in an unpalatable state
5. (of events) no longer planned or scheduled

verb

1. kill intentionally and with premeditation

Examples

There were 42 free-kicks, two penalties, four bookings and three players sent off, two of whom had to be escorted from the pitch by police.

The ball rebounded from/off the wall into the pond.

A thin veil of fog had rolled in off the bay, obscuring his view and coating the area in a pale gray-white mist.

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Definitions

adverb

1. in a state required for something to function or be effective
2. indicates continuity or persistence or concentration
3. with a forward motion

adjective

1. (of events) planned or scheduled
2. in operation or operational

Examples

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle. Life is a maze and love is a riddle, I don't know where to go, can't do it alone.

The buildings are usually gabled, with rows of tiles along the ridges of the roofs.

If you wonder about ‘furphy’, as I did, here's a gloss and explanation.

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