offensively

Meaning 1: Manner

In a manner that causes someone to feel hurt, angry, or upset, especially by being rude or disrespectful.

Examples

• He spoke so offensively that the guests quickly left.
• The politician's remarks were interpreted offensively by the opposition.

Meaning 2: Military

In a manner that involves attack or aggression.

Examples

• The troops advanced offensively, overwhelming the enemy defenses.
• The team's strategy was to play offensively from the start.

Pronunciation: /əˈfɛnsɪvli/

How to Use offensively

offensively to (prepositional phrase)

In a way that causes offense to a particular person or group. — "His comments were seen as offensively to the minority group."

offensively loud (collocation)

Extremely loud in a way that is unpleasant or disturbing. — "The music from the club was offensively loud."

Synonyms of offensively

Words with a similar meaning to offensively:

• rudely
• insultingly
• disrespectfully
• abusively

Antonyms of offensively

Words with the opposite meaning to offensively:

• politely
• respectfully
• pleasantly