Emotions / A2

uh-FEND/əˈfend/

Offend means upset someone by what you say or do: offend someone, I did not mean to offend you, offend against a rule (more formal). Upset is a wider cousin (can be news, not only words). Offence is the noun (British spelling). Insult is stronger and usually on purpose. Do not write offend when you mean a friend, or offence as if it were the verb.

Meaning

To make someone upset or angry by what you say or do.

Examples

• “I did not mean to offend you with that joke.”
• “A rude joke can offend people on a mixed team.”
• “She apologised because she did not want to offend the host.”

Good to know

offend someone / not mean to offend. Noun: offence (British). Stronger: insult. Mix-up: a friend.

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