Offended or Affended
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between "Offended" or "Affended": these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Incorrect: Affended
"Affended" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "offended" with 'of' at the beginning.
Correct: Offended
"Offended" is the correct spelling. It means feeling displeasure or resentment.
Definition of Offended
Offended (adjective/verb, past tense of "offend"): Feeling displeasure, anger, or resentment; having been hurt or upset by something; feeling insulted or disrespected; having one's feelings hurt.
Examples:
- • She was offended by his rude comments.
- • Many people were offended by the controversial advertisement.
- • He felt offended when his work was criticized.
- • The offended customer demanded an apology.
Synonyms for Offended
Common Synonyms:
- • Insulted
- • Upset
- • Hurt
- • Angry
- • Displeased
Related Terms:
- • Outraged
- • Provoked
- • Irritated
- • Annoyed
- • Disgusted
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Offended is spelled with 'of' at the beginning, not 'aff'.
- • It's commonly used to describe emotional reactions to perceived slights.
- • Often describes feeling hurt by words or actions.
- • The word suggests a personal emotional response.
- • The word comes from the Latin "offendere" meaning "to strike against."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "affended" ever correct?
A: No, "affended" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "offended" with 'of' at the beginning.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "offended" as starting with "off" - when you're offended, you feel turned "off" or away from something. The word comes from Latin "offendere" meaning "to strike against."
Q: What's the difference between offended and insulted?
A: "Offended" is broader and can refer to any feeling of displeasure, while "insulted" specifically refers to feeling disrespected by words or actions.
Q: Can offended be used as a noun?
A: No, "offended" is used as an adjective or past tense verb. The noun form would be "offense" or "offender."
Q: Is offended always negative?
A: Yes, "offended" always has a negative connotation, indicating feelings of displeasure or hurt.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "affended" likely occurs because people may not remember the correct 'of' beginning or may confuse it with similar words.
Q: What are some common phrases using "offended"?
A: Common phrases include: easily offended, deeply offended, take offense, cause offense, and give offense.
Q: Can "offended" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "offended" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a standard English word that can be used in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
Summary
Remember: Offended is the correct spelling with 'of' at the beginning. It means feeling displeasure or resentment. The misspelling "affended" with 'aff' is never correct. Use this word when describing feelings of being hurt, upset, or displeased by something.