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insult

[ɪnˈsʌlt]

insult Definition

  • 1speak to or treat with disrespect or scornful abuse
  • 2an offensive remark or action

Using insult: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "insult" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He insulted her by calling her stupid.

  • Example

    The comedian's jokes were often seen as insulting.

  • Example

    She took his criticism as an insult to her work.

  • Example

    The team's loss was a huge insult to their fans.

insult Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for insult

Idioms Using insult

  • to feel offended or insulted

    Example

    She took insult at his comments and stormed out of the room.

  • throw insults

    to insult someone

    Example

    He threw insults at his opponent during the debate.

  • to do something that shows respect for someone

    Example

    I paid him the compliment of asking for his advice on the matter.

Phrases with insult

  • add insult to injury

    to make a bad situation worse

    Example

    Not only did he lose his job, but his car broke down too - adding insult to injury.

  • trade insults

    to exchange insults with someone

    Example

    The two politicians began to trade insults during the debate.

  • a remark that seems like a compliment but is actually insulting

    Example

    When she said I looked good for my age, I knew it was just a backhanded compliment.

Origins of insult

from Latin 'insultare', meaning 'to jump on'

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Summary: insult in Brief

'Insult' [ɪnˈsʌlt] can be used as both a verb and a noun, referring to disrespectful or abusive treatment or remarks. It can range from personal attacks to broader offenses, such as 'The team's loss was a huge insult to their fans.' Phrases like 'add insult to injury' describe making a bad situation worse, while idioms like 'take insult' express feeling offended or insulted.

How do native speakers use this expression?