Word: Off-Season
Definition:
The term "off-season" refers to a period of time when a particular activity, such as travel, sports, or business, is less popular or busy than usual. During the off-season, things are usually quieter, and prices, like hotel rates or ticket prices, are often lower.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "off-season" to talk about when certain activities, like vacations or events, are not happening as much. It can also refer to times when fewer people are participating in something.
Example Sentence:
"We decided to go to the beach in October because it's the off-season, and the hotels are cheaper."
Advanced Usage:
In a more advanced context, you can discuss how businesses or industries prepare for the off-season by offering special deals or promotions to attract customers during this quieter time. For example, "Many ski resorts offer discounted lift passes during the off-season to encourage visitors."
Word Variants:
- Off-peak: Similar to off-season, this term is often used to describe times when demand is lower, especially for services like transportation (e.g., trains or flights).
Different Meanings:
- In sports, "off-season" can also refer to the time when a particular sport is not in its active season, and athletes may train or rest during this time.
Synonyms:
- Low season - Quiet season - Down season
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "off-season," you might hear phrases like "to take advantage of the off-season," meaning to benefit from lower prices or fewer crowds during that time.
Summary:
"Off-season" is a useful word when talking about times when activities are less busy, especially in travel or sports.