grave insult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave insult" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a deep, serious, or profound insult. For example: Richard felt a grave insult when his family ignored him at the dinner table.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

This is a grave insult to those generations that have bellowed the Potvin chant.

The New York Times - Sports

Moro called one of them a "motherfucker" in Nepali, a grave insult.

The New Yorker

When I mentioned the word, Hilal, who sees himself in regal terms, scoffed at what he considers a grave insult.

The New Yorker

To say the coverage has more holes than Swiss cheese is a grave insult to Swiss cheese.

The New York Times

Dnipro-1 representatives and government officials denied that the men came from the battalion, taking the allegation as a grave insult to patriotic volunteer fighters.

The New Yorker

He does not hesitate to block a Web page that displays a picture of the king with a foot above his head, a grave insult.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Equi understands that "we all have so many grave insults / engraved upon us".

The New York Times - Books

Many Egyptians seem to believe that it is possible to criminalize grave insults to established religions without intruding too much on freedom of expression — an idea utterly alien to the United States' legal tradition.

The New York Times

In fact, the gravest insult in their circles is not the charge that one is corrupt, or spineless, but that one is ignorant of politics and politicians.

The New York Times

We felt this was an even a graver insult than turning him into an asterisk and refusing to publish his image.

The Guardian - Sport

Even as Brazil staked its claim as an economic and cultural leader of South America, Rio -- perhaps Brazil's most iconic city -- had been slipping behind other Brazilian cities. São Paulo dominates business, Brasilia is the diplomatic center and -- gravest insult of all -- the Carnaval in Salvador de Bahia now attracts more people than Rio's.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave insult", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity and the impact of the insult. Consider the cultural implications, as some actions may be perceived as a "grave insult" in certain cultures but not in others.

Common error

Avoid using "grave insult" for minor slights or disagreements. Using it in trivial situations diminishes its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave insult" functions as a noun phrase that describes a deeply offensive or disrespectful action or remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave insult" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a deeply offensive or disrespectful act. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "serious offense" or "deeply offensive remark" exist, "grave insult" specifically emphasizes the significant impact and severity of the offense. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding exaggeration in minor situations. Its usage is common across various reputable sources, making it a reliable choice when conveying strong disapproval or offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious offense

Focuses on the violation of norms rather than the emotional impact.

deeply offensive remark

Highlights the offensiveness of the statement.

severe affront

Emphasizes the open disrespect and challenge to someone's dignity.

profound disrespect

Underscores the lack of respect shown.

major discourtesy

Indicates a significant lack of politeness and consideration.

egregious disrespect

Highlights the extreme nature of the disrespect shown.

grievous slight

Focuses on the feeling of being undervalued and offended.

unforgivable offense

Suggests that the insult is so severe that it cannot be forgiven.

intolerable disrespect

Emphasizes that the disrespect is unbearable and unacceptable.

deep humiliation

Focuses on the shaming and degrading aspect of the act.

FAQs

How can I use "grave insult" in a sentence?

You can use "grave insult" to describe actions or words that cause significant offense or disrespect. For example, "The ambassador considered the accusation a "grave insult" to his country."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "grave insult"?

Alternatives include "serious offense", "deeply offensive remark", or "severe affront". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "grave insult" in formal writing?

Yes, "grave insult" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing serious matters of offense or disrespect in news articles or academic papers. However, ensure the severity of the situation warrants its use.

What makes an insult "grave"?

A "grave insult" is characterized by its significant impact and the deep offense it causes. It often involves a violation of deeply held values, cultural norms, or personal dignity.