Meaning & use

offended

adjective·Everyday

Feeling upset, hurt, or resentful because of something said or done that seemed disrespectful.

See it in a sentence

She was offended by his blunt comment about her cooking.

He didn't mean to sound rude, but several guests looked offended by the joke.

A note on using this word

Offended is usually followed by 'by' for the cause, and pairs with 'take offense at' as a related phrase.

Words with a similar meaning

insultedhurtaffronted

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

pleasedflattered

Make it your own

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