What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
felony
Example
He was charged with felony assault after attacking the victim with a weapon. [felony: noun]
Example
The judge sentenced him to ten years in prison for committing a felony. [felony: adjective]
offense
Example
He was given a ticket for a traffic offense after running a red light. [offense: noun]
Example
She apologized for her offensive behavior towards her colleague. [offensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offense is more commonly used than felony in everyday language. Offense is a versatile term that can refer to any violation of the law or rules, while felony is a specific legal classification of crime that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between felony and offense?
Felony is a more formal term than offense and is typically used in legal or official contexts. Offense is a more informal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
