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Offensively: meaning, definitions and examples

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offensively

 

[ əˈfɛnsɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a way that is likely to cause someone to feel hurt, upset, or annoyed

Offensively is an adverb that describes something done in a manner that is likely to cause someone to feel hurt, upset, or annoyed. It is often used to indicate behavior or language that is aggressive, insulting, or disrespectful.

Synonyms

aggressively, disrespectfully, insultingly

Examples of usage

  • She spoke offensively to her coworker, causing tension in the office.
  • The comedian's jokes were considered offensively inappropriate by many audience members.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that is aggressive or overly confrontational

Offensively can also mean in a way that is aggressive or overly confrontational. It implies a manner of behavior that is excessively forceful or combative, often causing discomfort or conflict.

Synonyms

aggressively, combatively, forcefully

Examples of usage

  • The politician responded offensively to the journalist's question, escalating the argument.
  • His offensively competitive attitude made it difficult to work with him.

Translations

Translations of the word "offensively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ofensivamente

🇮🇳 अपमानजनक तरीके से

🇩🇪 beleidigend

🇮🇩 secara ofensif

🇺🇦 образливо

🇵🇱 obraźliwie

🇯🇵 攻撃的に (こうげきてきに)

🇫🇷 offensivement

🇪🇸 ofensivamente

🇹🇷 saldırgan bir şekilde

🇰🇷 공격적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل هجومي

🇨🇿 urážlivě

🇸🇰 urážlivo

🇨🇳 冒犯地

🇸🇮 žaljivo

🇮🇸 móðgandi

🇰🇿 қорлайтын түрде

🇬🇪 შეურაცხმყოფელად

🇦🇿 təhqiredici şəkildə

🇲🇽 ofensivamente

Etymology

The word 'offensively' derives from the adjective 'offensive', which comes from the Old French 'offensif', and ultimately from the Latin 'offensus' meaning 'resentful'. The adverb form 'offensively' started being used in the English language in the 15th century.

See also: counteroffensive, inoffensive, offenses, offensiveness, offensives.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,847, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.