B2adjective 2K

Offensive

🇬🇧 UK /["/əˈfensɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əˈfensɪv/"]/

Meaning of Offensive

rude in a way that causes somebody to feel upset or annoyed because it shows a lack of respect

In simple words: Something that causes upset or hurt feelings.

Offensive in a sentence

• His comments were so offensive that they made several audience members uncomfortable.
• The movie received an R rating due to some offensive language.
• In sports, an offensive strategy can be just as important as a defensive one.
• The team's offensive performance in the last game was remarkable.
• Using offensive slurs will not be tolerated in the workplace.

How to use Offensive

Use 'offensive' to describe language, actions, or jokes that can hurt or upset people. Be careful in public settings or professional environments, as it may be inappropriate.

Grammar pattern

predicate adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'offend' and 'defend' — something offensive is likely to offend others.

Related words

Collocations with Offensive

• be
• seem
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to
• be
• seem
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to

Synonyms for Offensive

• obnoxious

Opposites of Offensive

• inoffensive
• pleasant
• agreeable

Common mistakes with Offensive

• Confusing 'offensive' with 'offensive' as in military attack.
• Using 'offensive' to describe something that is just annoying.
• Not recognizing that what is offensive can vary by culture.

Frequently asked questions about Offensive

What does Offensive mean?

Something that causes upset or hurt feelings.

What is the definition of Offensive?

rude in a way that causes somebody to feel upset or annoyed because it shows a lack of respect

How do you use Offensive in a sentence?

His comments were so offensive that they made several audience members uncomfortable.

Can you give another example of Offensive?

The movie received an R rating due to some offensive language.

What are synonyms for Offensive?

Common alternatives include obnoxious.

What is the opposite of Offensive?

Opposite meanings include inoffensive, pleasant, agreeable.

What words go with Offensive?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, become, extremely, fairly, very, to, be, seem, become, extremely, fairly, very, to.

What are common mistakes when using Offensive?

Confusing 'offensive' with 'offensive' as in military attack. Using 'offensive' to describe something that is just annoying. Not recognizing that what is offensive can vary by culture.

How do you pronounce Offensive?

US: /["/əˈfensɪv/"]/, UK: /["/əˈfensɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Offensive?

Use 'offensive' to describe language, actions, or jokes that can hurt or upset people. Be careful in public settings or professional environments, as it may be inappropriate.

What CEFR level is Offensive?

"Offensive" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.