What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
offensive
Example
His comments were deeply offensive to many people. [offensive: adjective]
Example
The smell from the garbage was quite offensive. [offensive: adjective]
rude
Example
It's rude to interrupt someone when they're speaking. [rude: adjective]
Example
He made a rude gesture at the other driver. [rude: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rude is more commonly used than offensive in everyday language. Rude is a more familiar term and is used in a wider range of contexts, while offensive is often reserved for more serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between offensive and rude?
Both offensive and rude are generally considered informal terms. However, offensive may be used in more formal contexts, such as legal or academic writing, where precision in language is important.
