a consideration or amount that balances or compensates for something else
example
The financial offset for the environmental impact of the construction project was calculated to ensure compliance with regulations.
synonyms
counterbalancecompensationequivalent
word origin — The word 'offset' originates from the late Middle English word 'off-set', related to the verb 'offset' which means to set off or counteract, derived from the combination of 'off' and 'set'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 1 — Set 72
Set 72 of SAT Vocabulary Level 1 covers 5 words: offset, prospect, refund, hierarchy, cameo. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
offset · noun/ˈɔf.sɛt/
a consideration or amount that balances or compensates for something else
The financial offset for the environmental impact of the construction project was calculated to ensure compliance with regulations.
Origin: The word 'offset' originates from the late Middle English word 'off-set', related to the verb 'offset' which means to set off or counteract, derived from the combination of 'off' and 'set'.
prospect · noun/ˈprɑː.spekt/
the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring
The prospect of a promotion motivated her to work harder at her job.
Synonyms: possibility, likelihood, expectation
Origin: from Latin 'prospectus', meaning 'a look forward'
refund · noun/ˈriˌfʌnd/
the act of returning money to a buyer for a purchase
The store offered a full refund to customers who were unsatisfied with their purchase.
Synonyms: reimbursement, repayment, return
Origin: Middle English, from re- + funden, meaning 'to provide' or 'restore'.
hierarchy · noun/ˈhaɪərˌɑːr.ki/
a system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
In corporate organizations, the hierarchy often dictates the flow of communication and decision-making.
Synonyms: pecking order, ranking, structure
Origin: from the Greek 'hierarkhia,' meaning 'rule of a high priest' - 'hierarkhēs' (high priest) and '-ia' (condition or state).
cameo · noun/ˈkæm.i.oʊ/
a brief appearance or role in a work of art or performance
In the latest superhero movie, the director made a surprising cameo that delighted fans around the world.
Synonyms: appearance, role, guest spot
Origin: The word 'cameo' originates from the Italian term 'cameo', which refers to a method of engraving where a design is carved in relief on a gemstone. It began to be used metaphorically in the arts to describe brief roles in films or performances that highlight a character or distinction.