What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obscene
Example
The movie was filled with obscene language and nudity. [obscene: adjective]
Example
He made an obscene gesture at the other driver. [obscene: adjective]
offensive
Example
His comments were offensive to many people in the audience. [offensive: adjective]
Example
The comedian's jokes were deemed offensive by some members of the audience. [offensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offensive is more commonly used than obscene in everyday language. Offensive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obscene is less common and refers to a specific type of objectionable content.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obscene and offensive?
Both obscene and offensive are typically associated with an informal tone. However, offensive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while obscene is generally considered inappropriate for formal settings.
