castoff
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkæstɒf/
KK: /ˈkæstˌɔf/
adjective
Definition
Something that has been thrown away or rejected because it is no longer wanted or needed.
Example
The castoff clothes were donated to charity.
Conversation
Have you seen those castoff clothes at the thrift store?
Yeah, I actually found a really cool jacket there last week!
I love it when people donate their castoff items instead of throwing them away.
Me too! It feels like a treasure hunt every time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discarded
abandoned
rejected
Antonyms
accepted
embraced
cherished
noun
Definition
An item or person that has been thrown away or rejected because it is no longer wanted or needed.
Example
The old clothes were considered castoffs and were donated to charity.
Conversation
Did you see that pile of clothes in the corner?
Yeah, what are you planning to do with those?
I think I might donate some of the castoff items.
Root Explanation
Castoff → It is formed from "cast" (from Old Norse *kasta*, meaning to throw) and "off" (meaning away). The word "castoff" refers to something that has been thrown away or discarded.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been 'thrown away' ('cast') and is now 'off' or no longer wanted.
Visually Confused Words
stoff