What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insulted
Example
She felt insulted when he made fun of her accent. [insulted: past tense]
Example
He insulted her by calling her stupid. [insulted: verb]
offended
Example
She was offended by his sexist comment. [offended: past tense]
Example
He didn't mean to offend her with his joke. [offend: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offended is more commonly used than insulted in everyday language. Offended is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insulted is less common and usually reserved for more severe situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insulted and offended?
Both insulted and offended are considered informal and can be used in casual conversations. However, insulted is generally associated with a more confrontational or aggressive tone, while offended is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.