Start off as Meaning in English
expression
ˈstɑɹt/ /ˈɔf/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz
START-awf-az, START-awf-ez
stˈɑːt/ /ˈɒf/ /ˈæs
STAHT-of-az
Definition
To be or do something at the beginning before changing or developing into something else.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and informal English. Often used for people describing early stages in jobs or roles: 'He started off as a waiter.' Can be used with things or situations as well. Not the same as simply 'start'—emphasizes the initial form that later changes.
Spanish: comenzar como - empezar comoPortuguese (BR): começar comoPortuguese (PT): começar comoChinese (Simplified): 起初是 - 一开始是Chinese (Traditional): 起初是 - 一開始是Hindi: के रूप में शुरू करनाArabic: يبدأ كـBengali: শুরু করা (কিছু হিসেবে) - শুরু হওয়া (কিছু হিসাবে)Russian: начинать как - начинаться какJapanese: として始めるVietnamese: bắt đầu làKorean: ~로 시작하다Turkish: olarak başlamakUrdu: کے طور پر شروع کرناIndonesian: memulai sebagai
Example Sentences
She started off as a teacher before becoming a principal.
basic
The company started off as a small shop.
basic
Most flowers start off as buds.
basic
I started off as an intern and worked my way up.
natural
This cake started off as an experiment, but now everyone loves it.
natural
What started off as a hobby quickly became a full-time job.
natural