vast insult

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast insult" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an insult that is significant or extensive in nature. Example: "His comments were not just rude; they were a vast insult to her intelligence and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A vast insult had been made to their masculinity, and the only way to avenge it was to kill, shame, and torment the helpless.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not my intention to insult the vast majority of federal airport baggage screeners and airline baggage handlers who are honest.

The New York Times

Children with chronic rheumatologic diseases are exposed to a vast array of proatherogenic insults, but the prevalence and natural history of accelerated atherosclerosis in the majority of these children remains poorly defined.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Doocey attacked the "shameful behaviour" of a minority of officers as an "insult" to the vast majority, who did a "wonderful job".

The Guardian

Mr. Chavez, they said, has "politicized the armed forces and fractured their internal unity" by using military events to "batter and insult his political adversaries and vast sectors of society".

The New York Times

The final insult was the overhead lighting: three vast chandeliers.

The New Yorker

Fifth, we must pay particular attention to the social environment and background, such as poverty, discrimination, dictatorship, corruption, vast unemployment, and feeling of social humiliation and insult, which give rise to radical Islamic groups.

Huffington Post

"Not only is this task possible, it insults all other tasks with its vast possibilities".

Huffington Post

Technicians in the war room have blocked 70,000 Internet pages over the past four years, and the vast majority -- about 60,000 -- were banned for insults to the monarchy, according to Mr. Surachai.

The New York Times

The April 17 Senate debate was a public embarrassment in which a minority employed insults to logic to thwart the will of a vast majority of the nation.

Huffington Post

As during earlier sessions, there was a stone-throwing, insult-hurling scuffle in the parking lot outside Gate 8 of the vast Police….

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vast insult" to emphasize not just that an insult occurred, but that it was particularly egregious in scope or impact. For example, describing actions that undermine someone's entire life work or deeply held values.

Common error

Avoid using "vast insult" in everyday situations. The phrase's strong connotation is best reserved for truly significant offenses, not minor disagreements or petty slights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast insult" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vast" modifies the noun "insult", emphasizing the significant extent or degree of the offense. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vast insult" is a grammatically sound construction used to describe an offense of considerable magnitude. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression in English. Its relatively rare occurrence suggests it's reserved for situations where the offense is not only present but also significantly impactful. The phrase is most commonly encountered in news and media sources. When using "vast insult", ensure the context warrants the strong emphasis it provides, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives such as "major offense" or "profound offense" to achieve the desired nuance. While infrequent, the phrase carries a clear and forceful meaning when appropriately applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major offense

Replaces "vast" with "major", indicating a significant level of offense.

huge affront

Substitutes both words with synonyms emphasizing the scale of disrespect.

profound offense

Emphasizes the deep and impactful nature of the insult.

egregious insult

Indicates that the insult is remarkably bad or shocking.

serious indignity

Replaces "insult" with "indignity", highlighting the humiliating aspect.

deep disrespect

Highlights the intensity and depth of the disrespect shown.

significant disrespect

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the substantial lack of respect.

grave humiliation

Focuses on the deeply shaming aspect of the insult.

tremendous slight

Uses "slight" as a softer synonym for insult, but emphasizes its magnitude.

massive disparagement

Replaces "insult" with a more formal term, highlighting the significant belittling.

FAQs

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

You can use "vast insult" to describe an action or statement that is not only offensive but also large in scope or impact. For example: "The company's decision to close the plant was a "vast insult" to the workers who had dedicated their lives to it".

What are some synonyms for "vast insult"?

Alternatives to "vast insult" include "major offense", "huge affront", or "profound offense". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "vast insult" can be appropriate in formal writing when describing an action or statement that is significantly offensive. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What distinguishes "vast insult" from a regular insult?

The term "vast" emphasizes the magnitude or extent of the insult. A "vast insult" is not just offensive, but also carries a significant impact, affecting many people or deeply impacting an individual.