WordGarden.iooffline
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɒflaɪn/
US
- /ˈɔˌflaɪn/
Meanings
Adjective
not connected to the internet or another computer network, or not available through it
done away from the internet or outside the current public online channel, often in person or privately
temporarily not operating or taken out of active service in a technical system
Beyond the definition
"Offline" most often means not connected to the internet or to another network. Your computer is offline if the Wi-Fi is not working or if it cannot reach the web. The term can also describe a system or service that is temporarily out of use, such as a server that goes offline because of a technical problem or planned maintenance. People may also say they are going offline for a while when they want a break from screens and messages. In work settings, "take this offline" means to discuss something privately or later, away from the main group.
The word "offline" is now a common part of everyday digital language. In the most common sense, it describes something that is not connected to the internet or to another network. If your phone or computer says it is "offline," it means it cannot reach the web or another connected system at that moment.
The word is also used for services, systems, or machines that are temporarily unavailable. A website may go "offline" for maintenance, a game server may be "offline" because of a fault, or a payment system may be "offline" for a short time. In these cases, the idea is not just that something is disconnected, but that people cannot use it right now.
It also appears in social and work situations. Someone may say they are going "offline" for the evening, meaning they will stop using the internet, email, or chat for a while. In meetings, people often say, "Let's take this offline," which means the discussion should continue privately or later instead of in front of everyone. Whether it describes a device, a service, or a conversation, "offline" usually suggests disconnection, temporary unavailability, or handling something away from the main public space.
Examples
- 1
Printer problem
The printer is offline, so I can't print the tickets yet.
- 2
Downloaded maps
You can download the map and use it offline later.
- 3
Website outage
The website went offline for about an hour during the update.
- 4
In-person classes
I prefer offline classes because it is easier to ask questions in person.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
App syncing
The app saves your changes while you are offline and uploads them later.
- 6
Private discussion
Let's take this discussion offline and decide after the meeting.
- Phrasetake something offline
discuss it privately or outside the current meeting or chat
- 7
Advertising channels
The company still gets many customers from offline ads, not just social media.
See also
Similar
- disconnected
- not online
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- offline mode
- work offline
- offline access
- offline file
Explore
- network connectivity
- syncing
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- offline