Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Insult Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😡
Add to dictionary

insult

[ˈɪnsʌlt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

offensive language

An insulting remark or action intended to offend or hurt someone's feelings. Insults can take many forms, such as name-calling, mocking, or belittling.

Synonyms

affront, offense, slight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
insult

Use 'insult' when someone says something that is meant to hurt or offend another person directly.

  • He hurled an insult at her during the argument.
  • Calling someone stupid is a direct insult.
offense

The term 'offense' can be used in a broader and more general way to describe something that hurts someone's feelings or violates social norms. It does not always imply intention.

  • She took offense at his rude comment.
  • The book was banned for causing offense to some readers.
affront

An 'affront' is a more formal term implying a deliberate act that shows disrespect or a lack of respect. It often involves public or intentional disrespect.

  • His refusal to apologize was an affront to our entire family.
  • Loudly criticizing the host's cooking at the dinner party was a blatant affront.
slight

A 'slight' is a subtle or minor insult, often intentional, but not always obvious or direct. It implies a lack of proper respect or consideration.

  • He felt the comment was a slight, even though it was not meant to be hurtful.
  • Not being invited to the party felt like a slight.

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't take the insults anymore and decided to leave the room.
  • Her insults were cruel and uncalled for.
Context #2 | Verb

to offend someone

To say or do something that offends or shows disrespect to someone. Insulting behavior can lead to strained relationships and hurt feelings.

Synonyms

disrespect, offend, slight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
insult

Used to describe an action or remark that is deliberately rude or hurtful.

  • He insulted her by calling her unkind names.
  • The comedian's joke was taken as an insult by many in the audience.
offend

Refers to causing someone to feel upset, angry, or hurt, whether knowingly or unknowingly.

  • I hope I didn't offend you with my comment.
  • Her remarks about his work were offensive.
disrespect

Generally used to describe a lack of respect shown towards someone or something, whether intentional or unintentional. Can be less severe than an insult.

  • Talking back to the teacher is a sign of disrespect.
  • She felt disrespected when her ideas were ignored.
slight

Typically used to refer to a small or subtle insult or act of ignoring. Often considered less severe but still hurtful.

  • She felt slighted when she wasn't invited to the meeting.
  • His brief and disinterested greeting was a slight.

Examples of usage

  • She felt insulted by his rude comments.
  • It's not wise to insult your boss if you want to keep your job.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Insults can trigger a stress response, leading to feelings of anxiety or anger in the recipient.
  • Research has shown that receiving insults can lower self-esteem and even affect mental health in the long term.
  • There is an observable difference between playful teasing and harmful insults, as the latter can lead to emotional trauma.

Pop Culture

  • Insults are common in stand-up comedy, where comedians often use them to generate laughter and connect with audiences.
  • In literature, characters often use insults to convey conflict or establish power dynamics, adding to the drama of the story.
  • Television shows like 'The Office' highlight clever insults and humor, showcasing how they can be part of everyday banter.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, insults have been used in political discourse to undermine opponents, especially during debates or speeches.
  • Famous historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde were known for their sharp wit and effective use of insults as rhetoric.
  • In many cultures, dueling was a way to resolve disputes over serious insults, reflecting the social importance of honor.

Communication Studies

  • Insults can be categorized as either direct (overt) or indirect (covert), with the latter often being more damaging as they can be subtle and sneaky.
  • The context plays a crucial role; an insult among friends can be seen as humorous, while the same words can be deeply hurtful in other situations.
  • Understanding the motivations behind insults can help in mitigating conflicts, allowing for healthier communication.

Origin of 'insult'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insultare', meaning 'to jump on' or 'to attack', illustrating the aggressive nature of insults.
  • In Old French, the term 'insulte' meant 'to attack verbally', showing the long history of using words as weapons.
  • Its usage dates back to the 15th century, indicating that insulting behavior has been a part of human interaction for centuries.

The word 'insult' originated from the Latin word 'insultare', which means to leap or spring upon. Over time, the meaning evolved to include offensive language or behavior towards someone. Insults have been a part of human communication for centuries, used to express anger, dominance, or superiority. While insults can be hurtful, they also reflect societal norms and power dynamics.

See also: insulted, insulting, insultingly, insults.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,318 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.