French Conversation · Level 188
15 words
French word
offense
Pronunciation
IPA/ofɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nouninsult
Example
Il a interprété la remarque comme une offense personnelle.
He interpreted the remark as a personal insult.
More examples
Excusez-moi si je vous ai causé une offense.
I'm sorry if I caused you any offense.
Core concept
A social wound caused when words or conduct cross a boundary of respect.
Common phrases
une offense personnelle
a personal offense
prendre offense à
take offense at
Similar words
insulte: An insulting word or expression directed at someone.
injure: A word or action that damages someone's honor or feelings.
Definition in French
Acte, parole ou comportement qui porte atteinte à la dignité d'une personne et suscite le sentiment d'avoir été insulté.
Word origin
Latin offendere, 'to strike against' or 'harm', gave Latin offensa and Old French offense, whose meaning extended from bodily harm to an affront to dignity.
Usage tips
- The verb offenser quelqu'un means to insult someone, whereas s'offenser de quelque chose means to take offense at something.
Other meanings
- offensenoun
Opposites
- complimentcomplimentnoun
- respectrespectnoun
Related words
- offenseroffendverb
- offenséoffendedadjective