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off-duty. — not working at one's job; not on duty

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: not working at one's job; not on duty

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːf ˈduːti/

Example Sentences

  • The off-duty firefighter rescued a cat from a tree during his grocery shopping.
  • Even when off-duty, doctors often can't ignore medical emergencies.
  • The off-duty chef burned his instant noodles at home.

off-duty.

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈɔːf ˈduːti/]

not working at one's job; not on duty

not working at one's job; not on duty
💡 Concept

not working at one's job; not on duty

Off-duty, she finds beauty beyond duty.
🎵 Rhyme

Off-duty, she finds beauty beyond duty.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈɔːf ˈduːti/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈɒf ˈdjuːti/

🌳Etymology

Prefixoff--
Rootduty

Origin

Off-duty combines two etymologically distinct elements: 'off' derives from Old English, meaning 'away' or 'at a distance', while 'duty' comes from Middle French 'dueté', itself from Latin 'debitus' (owed or obligatory). The compound emerged to describe a state of being relieved from one's obligations or responsibilities.

Breakdown

off- (away, at distance; from Old English) + duty (obligation; from Middle French dueté, Latin debitus). Together they form a compound adjective meaning 'not engaged in one's regular work or responsibilities'.

🎵Rhyme

beauty
duty
fruity

🔗Collocations

off-duty officer
off-duty hours
go off-duty
off-duty nurse
off-duty activities
while off-duty

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The off-duty firefighter rescued a cat from a tree during his grocery shopping.”

“Even when off-duty, doctors often can't ignore medical emergencies.”

😄 Fun example

“The off-duty chef burned his instant noodles at home.”

“She enjoys reading novels during her off-duty time.”

📚Related Words

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