easily offended

USAGE SUMMARY

'easily offended' is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and can be used to describe someone who has a tendency to become hurt or upset over a perceived slight or insult.
For example, "My brother is easily offended, so I find it best to avoid making any jokes around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How easily offended are you?

Independent

But then I'm easily offended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ratarac is easily offended and needlessly aggressive.

The New Yorker

In Europe, people aren't so easily offended".

The New York Times - Style

Luckily, she is not easily offended.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How the young men were humorless and easily offended.

The New York Times - Books

A lot of people are too easily offended.

The Guardian

Phoenix Nights was never aimed at the easily offended.

The Guardian

Is your nose as easily offended as mine?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

THE Turks are a proud, prickly people, easily offended by criticism.

The Economist

For those easily offended, the macaron shop down the block is, perhaps, a better alternative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "easily offended" to clearly convey their sensitivity to criticism or perceived slights. This phrase succinctly captures their emotional vulnerability.

Common error

While "easily offended" is a clear descriptor, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language with synonyms like "thin-skinned" or "quick to take offense" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "easily offended" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a characteristic of a person or group. It indicates a predisposition to taking offense at perceived slights or insults. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "easily offended" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe individuals who are quick to take offense. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media and Wiki sources. While direct and neutral in tone, it's essential to consider synonyms like "thin-skinned" or "sensitive" for nuanced writing. Being mindful of potentially "easily offended" individuals is crucial in sensitive discussions to avoid causing unintentional harm. The frequency of this expression indicates its relevance in contemporary communication, providing a clear and concise way to characterize a specific personality trait.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily insulted

Directly relates to being provoked by insults.

readily offended

Stresses the ease with which someone is offended.

thin-skinned

Focuses on the emotional vulnerability of the person.

quick to take offense

Emphasizes the speed with which someone becomes offended.

oversensitive

Implies an excessive level of sensitivity.

sensitive

Highlights a general tendency to be affected by emotions.

touchy

Indicates a sensitivity to criticism or teasing.

easily upset

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by minor issues.

prone to taking things personally

Highlights the tendency to interpret situations as directed at oneself.

irritable

Suggests a general state of being easily provoked or annoyed.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is "easily offended"?

You can use alternatives like "thin-skinned", "sensitive", or "quick to take offense" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "easily offended" and "sensitive"?

"Easily offended" specifically implies a tendency to take personal offense, while "sensitive" is a broader term that can refer to emotional or physical responsiveness. Someone "easily offended" is more likely to feel insulted or slighted by minor remarks, while a "sensitive" person may simply be empathetic or easily moved.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "easily offended" in formal writing?

While "easily offended" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In formal writing, more nuanced terms like "sensitive" or "prone to taking things personally" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

What are some situations where it's important to be mindful of people who are "easily offended"?

It's important to be mindful in situations involving humor, criticism, or discussions of sensitive topics. Being aware of someone's potential to be "easily offended" can help you tailor your communication style to avoid causing unnecessary hurt or conflict.