What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
innocuous
Example
The spider in the corner of the room was innocuous and posed no threat. [innocuous: adjective]
Example
Her comment was innocuous and meant to be taken as a joke. [innocuous: adjective]
Example
The cleaning solution was innocuous and safe to use around children. [innocuous: adjective]
inoffensive
Example
The music playing in the background was inoffensive and pleasant to listen to. [inoffensive: adjective]
Example
His suggestion was inoffensive and did not upset anyone. [inoffensive: adjective]
Example
She was an inoffensive person who never caused any trouble. [inoffensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Innocuous is more commonly used than inoffensive in everyday language. Innocuous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inoffensive is less common and has a narrower scope of usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between innocuous and inoffensive?
Both innocuous and inoffensive are often used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or legal documents. However, innocuous may be considered slightly more formal due to its Latin origin and wider usage.
