offence Definition
- 1a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act
- 2annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles
Using offence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "offence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was given a caution for the offence of shoplifting.
Example
The company was fined for committing an offence under health and safety regulations.
Example
I didn't mean to cause offence.
Example
She took offence at his remarks.
offence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for offence
Antonyms for offence
Idioms Using offence
used to apologize for something that might have been taken as an insult or criticism
Example
No offence meant, but your cooking could use some improvement.
a fence-mending affair
an attempt to repair a damaged relationship
Example
After their argument, they decided to have a fence-mending affair over dinner.
a bone of contention
a subject or issue over which there is continuing disagreement
Example
The issue of funding has long been a bone of contention between the two parties.
Phrases with offence
Example
I hope I didn't give offence by asking that question.
Example
She took offence at his comments about her appearance.
Example
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence.
Origins of offence
from Old French 'offense', from Latin 'offensa', meaning 'stumbling block'
Summary: offence in Brief
The term 'offence' [əˈfɛns] refers to a violation of law or rule, such as 'He was given a caution for the offence of shoplifting.' It also denotes annoyance or resentment caused by a perceived insult or disregard for oneself or one's principles, as in 'I didn't mean to cause offence.' 'Offence' extends into phrases like 'give offence,' and idioms like 'no offence meant,' used to apologize for a possible insult.
