Insults
/ɪnˈsʌlts/
Definitions
2 meaningsA rude or offensive expression or action intended to offend or show contempt.
/ˈɪn.sʌlt/
A disrespectful or scornful remark or act.
She took his comment as a personal insult.
💡 Simply: An insult is like when someone says something mean on purpose to hurt your feelings. It's not very nice!
👶 For kids: It's a mean thing someone says or does to make you feel bad.
More Examples
The comedian's jokes contained several insults aimed at the audience.
His behavior was considered an insult to the guests.
How It's Used
"His comment was a clear insult."
"The politician's remarks were viewed as an insult to the opposing party."
To treat with disrespect or scornful abuse.
/ɪnˈsʌlt/
To speak or act in a disrespectful or offensive way to someone.
He insulted her intelligence with his dismissive remarks.
💡 Simply: To insult someone is to say or do something that makes them feel bad, like calling them a name or being mean.
👶 For kids: To say or do something mean to someone.
More Examples
She felt insulted by his lack of respect.
Don't insult your elders.
How It's Used
"He deliberately insulted her in front of her friends."
"The speakers often insulted each other during the debate."
Idioms & expressions
add insult to injury
To make a bad situation worse.
"To add insult to injury, the car wouldn't start after the flat tire."
From Latin insultare (“to leap on, trample, assail”), from in- (“on”) + saltare (“to leap”).
The use of 'insult' as a noun and verb has remained relatively consistent throughout its history, with the meanings evolving slightly with changing social norms.
Memory tip
Imagine someone *in salt* (insult) is throwing salt in your face – a very unpleasant and insulting act.