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Affront: meaning, definitions and examples

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affront

 

[əˈfrʌnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social interaction

An affront is a deliberate insult or offensive act.

Synonyms

insult, offense, outrage, slight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affront

This word is used when someone does something that shows a lack of respect or is openly disrespectful. It often implies that the action was deliberate.

  • Her comment about his job was an affront to his hard work.
  • He took their laughter as an affront to his dignity.
insult

This word is appropriate when describing a remark or action intended to hurt someone's feelings or self-esteem. It conveys a direct and personal attack.

  • She felt insulted by his sarcastic remarks.
  • Calling him lazy was a direct insult.
offense

This word fits when referring to something that causes someone to feel upset or angry, though it could be unintended. It can also refer to a breach of law or custom.

  • He took offense at her blunt criticism.
  • Wearing such a casual outfit to the formal event was seen as an offense.
slight

This word suggests a minor or less obvious action that shows disrespect. It can also imply an unintentional act of disrespect.

  • She felt slighted when she was not invited to the meeting.
  • The oversight was a slight that she couldn't easily forget.
outrage

This word is best used for situations that cause strong feelings of shock, anger, or indignation. It implies a drastic or extreme reaction.

  • The unfair treatment of the workers caused public outrage.
  • Sending the children to work in harsh conditions was an outrage.

Examples of usage

  • He regarded the comment as an affront to his dignity.
  • She took his rudeness as a personal affront.
  • The decision to exclude her was seen as an affront to the team.
  • The painting was considered an affront to traditional values.
  • I cannot tolerate such affronts to my integrity.
Context #2 | Verb

social interaction

To affront someone means to offend or insult them deliberately.

Synonyms

displease, insult, offend, outrage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
affront

This word is used when a person or action causes public outrage or offense, often intentional and seen as disrespectful.

  • His comments were an affront to the entire community.
  • She took it as a personal affront when he ignored her at the party.
insult

This word is used when someone says or does something that is demeaning or disrespectful to another person. It is direct and typically intentional.

  • He insulted her by calling her work useless.
  • The comedian's jokes were seen as insulting by many audience members.
offend

This word refers to causing someone emotional hurt or discomfort, either intentionally or unintentionally. It can range from minor to serious.

  • His remarks about her dress offended her.
  • It is easy to offend someone if you are not careful with your words.
outrage

This word is used to describe something that causes extreme anger or shock. It often denotes a reaction to something seriously offensive or unacceptable.

  • The decision to raise taxes sparked public outrage.
  • She was outraged by the unfair treatment she received.
displease

This word is used to describe causing slight annoyance or dissatisfaction. It is less intense than 'insult' or 'outrage'.

  • His behavior at the meeting displeased his colleagues.
  • The movie's ending may displease some fans of the book.

Examples of usage

  • He felt affronted by her remarks.
  • She was affronted by his lack of respect.
  • The ambassador was affronted by the lack of hospitality.
  • The behavior of the guest affronted the host.
  • The company's advertisement affronted many viewers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'affront' comes from the Latin 'affrontare', which means 'to confront'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, showcasing its long-standing use in discussions of manners and respect.
  • Originally used in a physical sense, meaning to strike or thrust upon someone.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, affronting someone is considered a serious breach of etiquette, often leading to feuds or conflicts.
  • Literature frequently depicts affronts as catalysts for dramatic confrontations, highlighting the human tendency to react to perceived slights.
  • In some societies, facing an affront can compel individuals to restore honor or dignity through reconciliation or revenge.

Psychology

  • Experiencing an affront can trigger feelings of anger or humiliation, highlighting our innate need for respect and recognition.
  • Studies suggest that the perception of an affront is subjective; what offends one person might not bother another.
  • Defensive responses to an affront often reveal underlying insecurities or social hierarchies in interpersonal relationships.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of affront through conflicts between characters, including Shakespeare's many plays, where honor and insult drive the plot.
  • Contemporary novels utilize affronts to develop character arcs, showing growth or decline based on how characters respond to disrespect.
  • Poetry often captures the emotional fallout of affronts, reflecting on the delicate balance between pride and vulnerability.

Media & Arts

  • Films often depict affronts as pivotal moments, leading to major character developments or moral dilemmas.
  • Visual art sometimes portrays affronts using symbolism, where body language or facial expressions indicate conflict or tension.
  • Music lyrics frequently address themes of insult and affront, resonating with audiences who relate to these emotional experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "affront" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afronta

🇮🇳 अपमान

🇩🇪 Affront

🇮🇩 penghinaan

🇺🇦 образа

🇵🇱 zniewaga

🇯🇵 侮辱

🇫🇷 affront

🇪🇸 afrenta

🇹🇷 hakaret

🇰🇷 모욕

🇸🇦 إهانة

🇨🇿 urážka

🇸🇰 urážka

🇨🇳 侮辱

🇸🇮 žalitev

🇮🇸 fyrirlitning

🇰🇿 қорлау

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფა

🇦🇿 təhqir

🇲🇽 afrenta

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,983, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.