🇬🇧🇨🇳 offend - 得罪 : English Lesson

Meaning of "offend" ("得罪"), detailed definition, and a short video lesson below.

To offend means to say or do something that makes someone feel hurt, angry, or annoyed. This can happen if you accidentally or on purpose say something rude, make fun of someone, or act in a way that others find disrespectful or unpleasant. People may not always show it, but being offended often means they feel upset by what was said or done.

Watch and listen to this English flashcard to understand the word in more detail, with an easy example sentence.

Max didn’t mean to offend his cat, but calling it “chubby” earned him the silent treatment for a whole day.

Bob’s little sister was offended when he said her drawing of a cat looked more like a potato with legs.

Charlie’s sneakers looked offended when he told them they smelled like a swamp monster’s breath.

The neighbor’s cat walked away, clearly offended, after being called “a grumpy furry pillow.”

Emma’s little brother was offended when she said his spaghetti-eating skills looked like a food tornado.

At a small party, Leo made a loud joke that could offend the old guest. He did not want to offend anyone, not offend the guest, but the second joke did offend the guest's feelings. Leo's face went pale; he stepped close, said sorry, and asked if his words would offend again. The guest smiled and said it was OK.

This word is at the B2 level, which means it’s used in more complex conversations and texts. It helps you discuss abstract ideas, express opinions clearly, and engage in discussions on a variety of topics, both personal and professional.

Expanding your English vocabulary is one of the best ways to improve your pronunciation, spelling, and confidence in English. Watch the video above to memorize the word, understand its meaning, and see example sentences in action. Discover related words to grow your vocabulary naturally. Add words to your playlist for stress-free, effective learning—anytime, anywhere! Watch, learn, repeat.