verb

offset

to counteract, to compensate for, to balance

The gains offset the losses from last year.

The gains offset the losses from last year.

We can offset carbon emissions by planting trees.

We can offset carbon emissions by planting trees.

((sth.)) to compensate for (sth.) The gains offset the losses from last year.

Synonyms: balance, counteract, compensate

From 'off' and 'set'. Originally meant to set something off to the side as a counterbalance.

Imagine a scale. You 'set' a weight 'off' to one side to balance the other.

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