Offensive Meaning
Offensive Definition & Usage
Causing anger, hurt, or resentment; insulting or disrespectful.
Examples
- "His offensive remarks during the meeting angered several colleagues."
- "She found the joke offensive and left the party early."
- "It was offensive to see how they treated their employees."
- "The offensive nature of his comments led to a public apology."
- "The film was criticized for its offensive stereotypes."
Relating to or used in attacking; aggressive or aimed at gaining an advantage.
Examples
- "The team switched from a defensive to an offensive strategy in the second half."
- "The country launched an offensive to reclaim the disputed territory."
- "The offensive attack overwhelmed the enemy's defenses."
- "The general led a series of offensive operations along the border."
- "In football, the offensive players worked together to break through the defense."
The act or instance of attacking or initiating hostilities.
Examples
- "The offensive was launched at dawn, catching the enemy by surprise."
- "During the debate, his offensive was clear as he attacked the opponent's character."
- "In chess, an offensive can be a calculated attack on the opponent's pieces."
- "The offensive of the army was slowed down by bad weather conditions."
- "The political candidate's offensive strategy was to criticize the opponent's policies."
Cultural Context
The word 'offensive' carries different connotations based on context. In social or cultural terms, it often relates to behavior or speech that is inappropriate, disrespectful, or inconsiderate. In military or strategic contexts, it refers to actions aimed at achieving a goal through attack or aggression. In modern usage, the idea of being 'offensive' in terms of speech or behavior is linked to cultural sensitivity and awareness.
The Offensive Move
Story
The Offensive Move
During the national chess tournament, Ethan had been underperforming, but he had one last chance to prove himself. His opponent, Alice, was a seasoned player known for her cautious strategy. Most of the players assumed Ethan would take a defensive approach, hoping to survive the game with minimal risks. However, Ethan had been practicing something bold: an offensive move designed to catch Alice off guard. As the game progressed, Ethan realized the time had come. His opponent had set up her pieces in a way that looked like she was just waiting for him to make a mistake. Smiling, Ethan shifted his knight, launching a surprise attack on Alice’s queen. Alice was visibly taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated such an aggressive move. Her fingers hovered over the pieces, unsure of how to respond. Ethan pressed forward, building on his offensive strategy. He didn’t just aim to win—he wanted to dominate. Onlookers whispered, impressed by his boldness. Alice had always been the one making the offensive plays, but now she was the one on the defensive. The tension in the room was palpable. Ethan’s move paid off as he gained the upper hand, eventually cornering Alice’s king. With a final checkmate, he won the game. Afterward, some of the spectators praised Ethan for his offensive style of play. Others questioned whether Alice had been too complacent. One thing was certain—Ethan’s victory had been a true offensive move, a strategy that not only attacked but completely changed the course of the game.
