feel offensive

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel offensive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone expresses feeling offended by or insulted by an action or behavior. Example sentence: After the insensitive comment, she felt very offensive.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"As awful as we all feel," offensive tackle Lomas Brown said, "now is not the time to start blaming each other.

The New York Times - Sports

His coat-focused collection didn't feel offensive in the way of Mr. Gaultier's misogynistic gestures, but rather sterile, like something to be worn to a clinical exam.

The New York Times

In the end, even if it does feel offensive to some thin women, it doesn't change the fact that skinny women's physicality is still the most prominent and dominant physical shape in mainstream media.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even the idea of rationing health care to save money feels offensive or morally wrong to many of us.

Huffington Post

Of course, if he holds personal opinions you find offensive, feel free to give him an earful and walk away.

WikiHow

Would it feel less offensive, easier to "read," if the artist were black, not white?

The New York Times - Arts

Allen told reporters that there was "nothing that we feel is offensive, and we're proud of our history".

The New York Times - Sports

Q.Do you feel that offensive players, like receivers, are being coddled based on new rules that ban helmet, forearm and shoulder hits to the head of a defenseless receiver?

The New York Times

I understand that it would feel personally offensive to have your beliefs laughed at but my belief is that faith – the idea of faith – is on the whole damaging.

The Guardian

Another chunk of the piece was an ask to users to define content guidelines for what they feel is offensive or not.

TechCrunch

In some ways, it can be more distracting than your iPhone, and checking it can feel more offensive to people around you than pulling out your phone," judged Bloomberg's Josh Topolsky.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel offensive", ensure the context clearly indicates who is experiencing the feeling. For example, specify "I feel it's offensive" or "They feel it's offensive".

Common error

Avoid using "feel offensive" without specifying who is experiencing the feeling, as it can create ambiguity. Instead of saying "That's offensive", state "I feel that's offensive" to clarify your personal perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel offensive" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, typically used to express a subjective emotional reaction to something perceived as inappropriate or hurtful. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel offensive" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a subjective emotional response to something perceived as inappropriate. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates its usage in news, media, and general contexts, where expressing a personal sentiment is crucial. Remember to specify who is experiencing the feeling to avoid ambiguity. While not very frequent, its consistent use in reliable sources validates its acceptability in English writing. Consider alternatives like "find offensive" or "perceive as offensive" to fine-tune the specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find offensive

Focuses on the act of identifying something as offensive, rather than the emotional experience.

perceive as offensive

Emphasizes the subjective interpretation of something being offensive.

take offense to

Highlights the personal reaction of being offended.

be insulted by

Focuses on the feeling of being disrespected or slighted.

be affronted by

Indicates a more formal and intense sense of being offended.

consider disrespectful

Highlights the perceived lack of respect in an action or statement.

regard as inappropriate

Focuses on the unsuitability of something in a particular context.

view as objectionable

Emphasizes a strong disapproval of something.

deem unacceptable

Indicates a formal judgment that something is not tolerable.

be put off by

Suggests a feeling of aversion or dislike due to something considered offensive.

FAQs

How can I express the same idea as "feel offensive" using different words?

You can use alternatives like "find offensive", "perceive as offensive", or "take offense to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "I find it offensive" or "I feel it's offensive"?

Both phrases are acceptable. "I find it offensive" emphasizes a judgment, while "I feel it's offensive" emphasizes a personal emotional reaction. The choice depends on the context and what you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "feel offensive" and "is offensive"?

"Feel offensive" expresses a subjective experience, meaning someone personally experiences something as offensive. "Is offensive" implies a more objective claim that something is inherently offensive, regardless of individual feelings.

Can "feel offensive" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "feel offensive" is suitable for formal writing, especially when it's important to convey a personal perspective. However, consider the context and whether a more objective or neutral tone would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "consider disrespectful" for more neutral meaning.