insult
insult — verb
1. to intentionally say rude words to someone or treat them in a way that shows you
to intentionally say rude words to someone or treat them in a way that shows you have no respect for them, with the goal of making them feel hurt or angry
Min insulted his teammate after the game and later felt bad about it.
The coach felt insulted when a player questioned her knowledge of the sport.
passive: feel insulted when / by
Ishaan insulted his cousin at dinner when he mocked her new haircut.
Antonia insulted her sister by throwing away the gift she had made.
Walid accidentally insulted his host by arriving two hours late for dinner.
- offend
broader — can be unintentional; insult implies deliberate rudeness
- disrespect
focuses on showing a lack of proper regard, often through behaviour rather than words
- mock
involves making fun of someone, often by imitating or teasing them
- praise
to express warm approval or admiration of someone
- compliment
to say something nice about someone in a sincere way
文法句型
insult + noun phrase (person)
be/feel insulted + by + noun phrase
insult + noun phrase + by + gerund
用法筆記
The direct object is usually a specific person or group. To describe the action that causes offence, use 'insult + person + by + gerund'. Frequently used in the passive with 'feel' or 'be'.
常見錯誤
insult — noun
1. a rude or offensive statement or action that is meant to make someone feel unimp
a rude or offensive statement or action that is meant to make someone feel unimportant, hurt, or angry, often delivered directly to them or about them
Calling someone a liar to their face is a serious insult.
gerund subject + be + a[n] + insult
Otis shouted insults at the referee after the unfair decision.
collocation: shout insults at
The comedian's joke was taken as an insult by several people in the room.
Imran ignored the insults from his classmates and kept working.
Leaving the party without saying goodbye felt like an insult to the host.
- compliment
a polite expression of praise or admiration
- tribute
an act or statement that shows respect and gratitude
文法句型
a[n] + insult + to + person/group
shout/hurl/yell + insults + at + person
用法筆記
Often followed by 'to' to specify the target (e.g., 'an insult to her family'). Common in the pattern 'shout/hurl/yell insults at someone'. Less common as an uncountable noun ('full of insult'), but possible in formal writing.
常見錯誤
2. physical damage or harm to a part of the body, often caused by an outside force,
physical damage or harm to a part of the body, often caused by an outside force, a substance, or a harmful condition
The chemical caused an insult to the worker's skin that needed treatment.
medical register: insult to the [body part]
Repeated insults to the knee joint can lead to long-term pain and stiffness.
The blast caused insults to the soldier's arms from pieces of flying metal.
Smoking causes chemical insults to the lungs that build up over many years.
Doctors found signs of liver insult from years of heavy drinking.
文法句型
insult + to + body part
chemical/mechanical/thermal + insult
用法筆記
Primarily used in formal medical or scientific writing. Uncommon in everyday conversation. Modifiers such as 'chemical', 'mechanical', or 'thermal' often precede the word to describe the type of damage. The pattern 'insult to [body part]' is standard.