off-kilter — not in perfect balance; askew or crooked
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not in perfect balance; askew or crooked
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɔːf ˈkɪltər/
Example Sentences
- After spinning around ten times, everything looked off-kilter to me.
- The director's off-kilter style made the romantic comedy unexpectedly hilarious.
- My cat's off-kilter personality includes sleeping in the sink and meowing at invisible enemies.
off-kilter
ADJECTIVE[/ˌɔːf ˈkɪltər/]
not in perfect balance; askew or crooked
not in perfect balance; askew or crooked
An off-kilter filter reveals no perfect shelter
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase emerged in the late 19th century, combining 'off' (away, astray) with 'kilter' (balance, good condition). The term 'kilter' itself derives from 17th-century English dialect, where it signified a state of balance or proper functioning.
Breakdown
off- (away from, astray) + kilter (balance, good condition). The compound creates a negation of proper balance or alignment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After spinning around ten times, everything looked off-kilter to me.”
“The director's off-kilter style made the romantic comedy unexpectedly hilarious.”
“My cat's off-kilter personality includes sleeping in the sink and meowing at invisible enemies.”
“The whole day felt off-kilter when I accidentally wore my shirt inside out to work.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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