1. Of a journey, path, route, etc., to begin at some particular point or location. The hike starts off from the campsite and will take you all the way to the peak of the mountain. Starting off from Oviedo, the Camino Primitivo is the oldest route of the Camino de Santiago.

2. To begin undertaking some journey from a particular point or location. We're going to start off from Los Angeles and hike all the way across the United States to New York City. The river boat will start off from the port city and wind its way along the Amazon into the heart of the jungle.

3. To originate from some particular condition or status. I started off from nothing, without a penny to my name. Now look at me—one of the wealthiest women in the country! Our company started off from a desire to help people in need.