Insults Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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insults
[ˈɪnsʌlts ]
Definitions
in a conversation
Rude or offensive remarks made to someone in order to hurt or upset them.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| insults |
Use 'insults' when someone is saying mean or hurtful words to offend another person. These are often direct and personal.
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| abuse |
'Abuse' refers to any type of harmful treatment, including verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual. It often implies ongoing or repeated harm.
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| offense |
'Offense' is generally used when someone feels upset or hurt because of someone else's words or actions. It might not be intentional.
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| slur |
'Slur' refers to an insulting remark or accusation that is often related to someone's race, ethnicity, gender, or other personal attributes. It is typically discriminatory.
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Examples of usage
- He couldn't handle the insults and decided to leave the room.
- She felt deeply hurt by the insults directed at her.
in a heated argument
To speak to or treat someone with disrespect or scornful abuse.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| insults |
Used when referring to words or actions meant to hurt someone's feelings or show disrespect.
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| offend |
Used when referring to causing someone to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful.
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| disrespect |
Used to describe an attitude or behavior that shows a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone.
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| taunt |
Used when referring to making someone angry or upset by teasing or provoking them.
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Examples of usage
- He insulted her intelligence by questioning her decisions.
- Don't insult others just to prove your point.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that insults can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to feelings of anger or sadness.
- Victims of insults often report lower self-esteem and social anxiety, demonstrating how words can have powerful psychological impacts.
Cultural Context
- Insults can vary widely across cultures; what is considered an insult in one culture may be a joke in another.
- In some cultures, insults can be seen as a form of flirting or banter, while in others, they lead to serious conflicts.
Literature
- Many famous literary works feature insults as tools for character development, like in Shakespeare's plays, where clever insults often reveal social status and wit.
- In the 21st century, authors like Jane Austen used insults to critique societal norms and behaviors, often masked as humor.
Pop Culture
- Comedy roasts are a popular form of entertainment where friends humorously insult each other, showcasing the fine line between friendship and insult.
- Social media has transformed the way insults are communicated, leading to the phenomenon of 'cyberbullying' where insults can be shared widely and anonymously.
Origin of 'insults'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'insult' comes from the Latin 'insultare,' which means to jump on or attack.
- It was first used in English in the late 14th century, initially referring to a physical attack before evolving to mean verbal attacks.
The word 'insults' originated from the Latin word 'insultare', which means 'to jump or trample upon'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include verbal attacks or offensive remarks. Insults have been a part of human interaction for centuries, often used to assert dominance or provoke a reaction. While some insults may be lighthearted or playful, others can cause deep emotional pain and damage relationships.
See also: insult, insulted, insulting, insultingly.