French word

insulte

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃sylt/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninsult

Example

Il a reçu une insulte.

He received an insult.

Illustration for insulte (insult)

More examples

Elle a lancé une insulte pendant la dispute.

She launched an insult during the dispute.

Core concept

A verbal blow aimed at lowering another person's dignity.

Common phrases

  • lancer une insulte

    launch an insult

  • recevoir une insulte

    be subjected to an insult

Similar words

injure: An insulting expression that wounds someone's dignity or feelings.
offense: An offensive word or expression that causes displeasure.

Definition in French

Propos offensant destiné à rabaisser ou humilier une personne, ou action de tenir de tels propos.

Word origin

French insulte derives from Latin insultus, related to insultare 'to assail', whose physical attack sense developed into a verbal one.

Usage tips

  • Insulte is feminine, so the usual form is une insulte, not un insulte.

Other meanings

  • verbal abusenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word