Off (state)

Off is one of two possible states for a binary switch, the other being on. This distinction also applies to switches of the conventional type, for example light switches.

Some switches (e.g. three-position switches) have more than two positions, one of which is still called off. The word "off" implies a state of non-operation for a particular device, especially one connected to a switch of the type earlier described. One could argue that the opposite of off, in a variety of Situations would be a resounding on. In other situations the distinction is not as obvious.