Offence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ก
offence
[ษหfษns ]
Definitions
legal
A breach of a law or rule; an illegal act.
Synonyms
crime, infraction, transgression, violation.
Examples of usage
- He was charged with several serious criminal offences.
- Speeding is a common traffic offence.
general
Annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult or disregard for one's feelings.
Synonyms
affront, displeasure, insult, outrage.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| offence |
Primarily used in formal contexts or legal language to describe the act of breaking a rule or law. It can also mean an action that causes someone to feel upset or hurt.
|
| insult |
Used when someone says or does something that is meant to hurt or offend another person, often directly and personally. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| outrage |
Used to describe a strong feeling of shock and anger, typically over something that is considered to be a serious offense or unacceptable behavior.
|
| affront |
Used when someone feels openly disrespected or attacked, often in a public or noticeable way. It's typically associated with an event that causes shock or outrage.
|
| displeasure |
Used to express mild to moderate dissatisfaction or annoyance, typically in polite or formal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- His comment caused great offence to many people.
- I apologize if I inadvertently caused you any offence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, causing offense is tied to social norms and values, emphasizing the importance of respect and personal space.
- Certain topics, such as religion or politics, are often avoided in conversation to prevent causing offense, showcasing the careful navigation of sensitive dialogues.
- Comedy often walks a fine line with offense, using humor to challenge social taboos while understanding the potential for backlash.
Psychology
- Feeling offended can trigger a range of emotions including anger, sadness, and disappointment, which can impact interpersonal relationships.
- People may feel offended based on their personal beliefs, values, and past experiences, illustrating the subjective nature of offense.
- Research shows that the way someone perceives offense can be linked to their emotional intelligence and coping strategies.
Law and Society
- In legal terms, an offense can be an act that violates laws, which can lead to criminal charges.
- Social justice movements highlight issues of offense related to discrimination and hate speech, calling for more awareness and sensitivity.
- Every country has different laws regarding what constitutes an offense, impacting how free speech is protected.
Literature and Art
- Literary works often explore themes of offense and forgiveness, delving into characters' emotional struggles and moral dilemmas.
- Artists may intentionally provoke offense to challenge viewersโ perceptions, sparking discussions about societal norms.
- Classic literature has addressed the concept of offense through dramatic conflict, illustrating how misunderstandings can lead to tragedy.
Origin of 'offence'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'offendere,' which means 'to strike against' or 'to displease'.
- It has been used since the 14th century in English, beginning with the meaning related to legal wrongs or crimes.
- In some contexts, the spelling 'offense' is preferred, especially in American English.
The word 'offence' originated from the Old French word 'offense', which came from the Latin 'offensus', meaning 'annoyed, offended, hurt'. The use of the word has evolved over time to encompass both legal breaches and personal affronts.