1. To begin some journey or undertaking with something in one's possession or at one's disposal. The contestants start off with just a single backpack containing a few essential supplies, having to find the majority of their food on the island itself. I started off with nothing, not even a penny to my name. Now look at me—one of the wealthiest women in the country!

2. To begin some process with some particular thing. A noun or pronoun can be used before or after "off." We started off with a rough prototype that was developed into the final product. I start off every painting with a rough sketch, adding detail and color as I go. You'll start off the recipe with three cups of flour mixed vigorously with eggs and butter.

3. To originate with some particular symptom or effect. At first it started off with a bad cough, but now I've become feverish and nauseated, so I think I ought to see a doctor. The economic crash started off with a collapse in the subprime mortgage market in the US.

4. To begin a video game with a particular character, item, skillset, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used before or after "off." You start off with either Reinhardt Schneider or Carrie Fernandez, though the game is largely the same regardless of whom you select. The main character starts off the game with a basic attack that doesn't deal very much damage, but you are able to upgrade it along the way.