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Offensive

usgb/əˈfensɪv/Volume
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Cultural Sensitivity

Words deemed offensive can vary greatly across cultures and may not be immediately obvious to learners.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
The word was offensive among her community, though it seemed neutral to outsiders.
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Personal Attacks

'Offensive' often refers to speech that personally attacks or demeans someone.

Illustration for Personal Attacks
His joke was offensive because it targeted a specific group of people.
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Non-Verbal Offense

Offensive behavior isn't limited to words; actions can also be deemed inappropriate or disrespectful.

Illustration for Non-Verbal Offense
Rolling her eyes during the meeting was seen as offensive.
Word comparison image

Compare with

AbusiveDisrespectfulImproperIndecentInsultObjectionableProvocativeRepulsiveRude
Visual representation of the word "Offensive"

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