Online and offline

The terms “online” and “offline” (also stylized as “on-line” and “off-line”) have specific meanings in regard to computer technology and telecommunications. In general, “online” indicates a state of connectivity, while “offline” indicates a disconnected state. The concepts have however been extended from their computing and telecommunication meanings into the area of human interaction and conversation, such that even offline can be used in contrast to the common usage of online.