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ofensiva

o-fen-SEE-bah/o.fenˈsi.βa/

offensive

Also: push, attack
NounfB2
A row of colorful toy soldiers and small wooden tanks moving forward together across a green field.

📝 In Action

El ejército lanzó una gran ofensiva al amanecer.

B2

The army launched a major offensive at dawn.

El equipo de fútbol tiene una ofensiva muy rápida.

B1

The soccer team has a very fast offensive (attack).

La empresa inició una ofensiva publicitaria para ganar clientes.

B2

The company started a marketing push to win customers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ataque (attack)
  • arremetida (onslaught)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • lanzar una ofensiva – to launch an offensive
  • ofensiva diplomática – diplomatic push

offensive

Also: insulting, unpleasant
A cartoon character with a grumpy expression looking away from a small, harmless gift, appearing insulted.

📝 In Action

Esa broma me pareció muy ofensiva.

B1

I found that joke very offensive.

No quiso usar una actitud ofensiva durante la reunión.

B2

He didn't want to use an offensive attitude during the meeting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • insultante (insulting)
  • grosera (rude)

Antonyms

  • inofensiva (harmless)
  • respetuosa (respectful)

Common Collocations

  • actitud ofensiva – offensive attitude
  • palabra ofensiva – offensive word

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ofensiva" in Spanish:

attack→insulting→offensive→push→unpleasant→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ofensiva

Question 1 of 2

How would you say 'a military offensive' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ofender(to offend) — Verb
ofendido(offended) — Adjective
ofensa(offense/insult) — Noun
ofensivo(offensive (masculine)) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'offensa', which comes from 'offendere', meaning to strike against or to trip someone up.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: offensiveFrench: offensive

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ofensiva' only for war?

No! While it is used in military contexts, it's very common in sports (like a team's strategy) and in business to describe a strong push or marketing campaign.

What is the opposite of 'ofensiva'?

If you are talking about defense, the opposite is 'defensiva'. If you mean something that doesn't hurt feelings, use 'inofensiva'.