ofensivo
“ofensivo” means “offensive” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
offensive, insulting
Also: rude
📝 In Action
Ese comentario fue muy ofensivo para mi familia.
B1That comment was very offensive to my family.
No quise decir nada ofensivo, lo siento.
B1I didn't mean to say anything offensive, I'm sorry.
Ella evitó usar un lenguaje ofensivo durante la reunión.
B2She avoided using insulting language during the meeting.
offensive
Also: attacking
📝 In Action
El equipo de fútbol tiene una gran capacidad ofensiva.
B2The soccer team has a great attacking capacity.
El general planeó una acción ofensiva para recuperar el territorio.
C1The general planned an offensive action to recover the territory.
Estamos jugando en la zona ofensiva del campo.
B2We are playing in the offensive zone of the field.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ofensivo" in Spanish:
insulting→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ofensivo
Question 1 of 3
If someone says something that makes you feel very sad and angry, the comment was:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'offensivus', which comes from 'offendere'. It literally means to strike or hit against something.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ofensivo' always a bad thing?
In a social context, yes, it means rude or insulting. However, in sports or military terms, it is a neutral description of an attacking strategy.
What is the difference between 'ofensivo' and 'ofendido'?
'Ofensivo' is the thing that CAUSES the insult (the rude joke). 'Ofendido' is the person WHO FEELS the insult (the person who is now angry).
Can I use 'ofensivo' to describe a bad smell?
Yes! Just like in English, a very strong and unpleasant smell can be called an 'olor ofensivo'.