What does "put off" mean?
"Put off" means to postpone - but also to disgust or discourage. Here's how this phrasal verb works in different contexts.
Two main meanings
1. To postpone; to delay
"The meeting has been put off until Thursday."
"He keeps putting off the decision."
"Don't put it off - do it now."
This is the most common meaning in professional contexts.
2. To discourage or disgust
"The smell put me off my food."
"I was completely put off by his attitude."
"Don't let the price put you off - it's worth it."
Separable
Object can go in the middle:
"Put off the meeting." β / "Put the meeting off." β / "Put it off." β
A native would say (meaning 1)
- "Postpone" - formal
- "Push back" - business English: "Let's push the call back to Friday."
- "Delay" - neutral
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Both meanings are common in everyday conversation and professional settings.
What does "put off" mean?
"Put off" means to postpone - but also to disgust or discourage. Here's how this phrasal verb works in different contexts.
Is "put off" formal or informal?
Both meanings are common in everyday conversation and professional settings.
What's another way to say "put off"?
- "I'm put off by that." (passive - disgusted, discouraged)
- "It's very off-putting." (adjective - unpleasant, discouraging)
Phrasal verbs are one of the hardest parts of English to master.
LLH Tutor explains them in plain language, so you know exactly when and how to use each one.
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