Spanish Conversation · Level 28
89 words
Spanish word
ofender
Pronunciation
IPA/ofenˈdeɾ/
Meaning
- verboffend
Example
¿Te he ofendido?
Have I offended you?
More examples
No quería ofender a nadie con mi comentario.
I didn't want to offend anyone with my comment.
Core concept
An action or expression that causes moral or emotional hurt.
Common phrases
ofender a alguien
offend someone
ofender los sentimientos
hurt someone's feelings
ofender sin querer
offend unintentionally
Similar words
insultar: Uses insulting words or attitudes to humiliate or anger someone.
molestar: Causes slight annoyance or mild discomfort.
herir: Inflicts deep emotional pain.
Definition in Spanish
Causa molestia o daño moral en otra persona mediante una acción o expresión, tanto intencionada como no intencionada.
Word origin
It comes from Latin offendere (ob- 'against' + fendere 'strike') and keeps a figurative sense of 'striking' now applied to moral or emotional harm.
Usage tips
- Spanish speakers commonly say me ofendió or se ofendió to report being hurt rather than using an English-style passive like 'I was offended'.