off-duty — not working; not on duty; free from work responsibilities
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not working; not on duty; free from work responsibilities
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔːf ˈduːti/
Example Sentences
- The off-duty firefighter couldn't resist helping when he saw smoke.
- Even off-duty, the chef criticized the restaurant's terrible pasta.
- The off-duty doctor was called back to the hospital for an emergency.
off-duty
ADJECTIVE[/ˈɔːf ˈduːti/]
not working; not on duty; free from work responsibilities
not working; not on duty; free from work responsibilities
Off-duty reveals her true beauty, beyond being on-duty
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This compound adjective emerged in the 16th century by combining 'off' (meaning away from) with 'duty' (meaning obligation or work). Originally a military term describing soldiers not on active service, it gradually expanded to describe any professional or employee not actively working or on shift.
Breakdown
off (away from, absent) + duty (obligation, assigned work). The hyphenated compound functions as an adjective indicating exemption from required duties or work responsibilities.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The off-duty firefighter couldn't resist helping when he saw smoke.”
“Even off-duty, the chef criticized the restaurant's terrible pasta.”
“The off-duty doctor was called back to the hospital for an emergency.”
“She's off-duty but still answers work emails like a superhero.”
📚Related Words
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