offbeat
UK[ˌɒfˈbiːt]US[ˌɑːfˈbiːt]
adj
not following the usual or expected pattern, especially in being unconventional or unusual
adj
(music) not coinciding with the regular beat
Morpheme Breakdown
off
beat
off
away, from, not on
beat
to strike, a stroke
Etymology
the word 'offbeat' is a compound formed from two english words of old english origin. literally, it describes something that is 'off the beat,' originally used in a musical context to refer to a note or rhythm that falls between the main pulses. this concrete musical sense, where 'beat' refers to the regular, striking unit of time, provided a clear metaphor. over time, the term was extended beyond music to describe anything that deviates from the conventional, expected, or mainstream pattern, thus acquiring its modern abstract meaning of unconventional or unusual.
Analysis
Structure: off + beat
off (old english, meaning 'away, from, not on'); beat (old english, meaning 'to strike, a stroke')
Examples
she has an offbeat sense of humor that not everyone appreciates.
the drummer emphasized the offbeat to create a syncopated rhythm.
the film is an offbeat romantic comedy set in a peculiar world.