- 1.
抵销;弥补 -
• They offset their travel expenses against tax. 他们用旅行费用抵销了他们的税。 -
• The increasing cost was offset by the raised price. 成本的增长被提高的价格弥补了。 - 2.
把…并列以衬托 -
• Her black dress offsets the diamond necklace. 她的黑裙子衬托出那挂钻石项链。
用法说明
offset, counteract, balance, counterbalance
这四个词均可作“抵消”,“平衡”解,其区别在于:offset表示用堪与匹敌之物替换或弥补以达到抵消目的;counteract语气较强,侧重表示好与坏、利与弊等相对峙的情况,强调通过采取对策达到消除影响或减轻恶果的目的;balance侧重表示在重量、数量、大小、价值或效应等方面使双方达到平衡;counterbalance侧重表示弥补一方的不足或抵消其过头之处以达到平衡。试比较:
He offset his travel expenses against tax.他用旅费抵消了他的税。
The drug counteracts the fever.这种药可退烧。
This school aims to balance the amount of time spent on arts and science subjects.这个学校在时间安排上努力做到文理并重。
His level-headedness counterbalances his impetuousness.他头脑冷静,这可抵消一些他的急躁情绪。