Meaning of "offensive" in English

"Offensive" in English refers to anything that causes someone to feel hurt, upset, or annoyed due to rudeness or disrespect. It can describe comments, behavior, or material that is particularly insensitive to certain people or groups. Additionally, in a military context, "offensive" pertains to an aggressive action intended to achieve goals, such as an attack against an opponent. The word is often used in discussions about manners, appropriateness, and interpersonal relationships, reflecting societal norms about respect and civility.

Meaning of "offensive" in French

In French, "offensive" carries similar connotations as in English. It refers to something that is likely to cause offense, insult, or provoke someone. This might include remarks that are considered rude or hurtful. Furthermore, in a strategic or military context, "offensive" also describes actions intended to take the initiative against an opponent, such as an attack or campaign aimed at gaining ground. The term is used in discussions regarding courtesy, societal norms, and cultural sensitivity.

Pronunciation of "offensive" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /əˈfensɪv/, /ɒfˈensɪv/

Pronunciation Variations: In British English, it is often pronounced with an initial "ɒ" sound, as in "off", whereas in American English, it's more commonly pronounced with an "ə" sound, similar to "uh-fensive".

Pronunciation of "offensive" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ɔfɑ̃siv/

Pronunciation Variations: Regional accents in France may influence the intonation, but the basic pronunciation remains fairly consistent across French-speaking regions.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. His comment was offensive to many people.
    (Son commentaire a offensé de nombreuses personnes.)

  2. Offensive language is not tolerated here.
    (Le langage offensant n'est pas toléré ici.)

  3. The team launched an offensive strategy.
    (L'équipe a lancé une stratégie offensive.)

  4. She found the joke to be offensive.
    (Elle a trouvé la blague offensante.)

  5. The offensive remarks were not well-received.
    (Les remarques offensantes n'ont pas été bien reçues.)

  6. He made an offensive gesture during the meeting.
    (Il a fait un geste offensant pendant la réunion.)

  7. The advertisement was deemed offensive by the public.
    (La publicité a été jugée offensante par le public.)

  8. Teachers should avoid using offensive language.
    (Les enseignants devraient éviter d'utiliser un langage offensant.)

  9. The movie contained several offensive scenes.
    (Le film contenait plusieurs scènes offensantes.)

  10. A military offensive was launched at dawn.
    (Une offensive militaire a été lancée à l'aube.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "offensive" in English

Synonyms: insulting, rude, disrespectful, unpleasant, annoying, aggressive, belittling, demeaning, derogatory, objectionable.

Antonyms: polite, respectful, courteous, inoffensive, pleasant, agreeable, kind, complimentary, favorable, friendly.

Similar Words: improper, unkind, hurtful, abusive, obnoxious, disparaging, vulgar, unwelcome, irksome, tactless.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "offensive" in French

Synonyms: insultant, blessant, choquant, vexant, désobligeant, agressif, dégradant, méprisant, inapproprié, abject.

Antonyms: poli, respectueux, courtois, inoffensif, plaisant, aimable, cordial, favorable, amical, bienveillant.

Similar Words: déplaisant, rude, provocant, gênant, inacceptable, impoli, outrageant, repoussant, inconvenant, désagréable.

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