offensive — causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈfensɪv/
Example Sentences
- His offensive joke about pizza pineapple started a heated debate in the restaurant.
- The smell from his gym socks was so offensive that even his dog ran away.
- The soccer team's offensive play was so weak that the goalkeeper fell asleep.
offensive
ADJECTIVE[/əˈfensɪv/]
causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry
The comment was considered offensive by many people.
The offensive advertisement sparked public criticism. (ATTACKING + INSULTING = OFFENSIVE)
An offensive remark can make others defensive and apprehensive.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'offensivus', derived from 'offendere' meaning 'to strike against' or 'to displease', composed of 'ob-' (against) and 'fendere' (to strike). The word entered English in the 16th century through Old French.
Breakdown
offend (from Latin offendere: ob- (against) + fendere (strike)) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'tending to' or 'serving to') = offensive
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His offensive joke about pizza pineapple started a heated debate in the restaurant.”
“The smell from his gym socks was so offensive that even his dog ran away.”
“The soccer team's offensive play was so weak that the goalkeeper fell asleep.”
“She found his comments about her cooking deeply offensive.”
📚Related Words
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