Word
affront
Phoneticsaf·front, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈfɹənt/
UK/ɐfɹˈʌnt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a serious insult or a great offense that makes someone feel very angry or embarrassed. It is a strong word for something that shows a lack of respect.
n. a serious insult or a grave offense that causes deep offense or indignation. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a perceived violation of dignity.
Examples
“The rude comment was a great affront to her family.”
“The ambassador viewed the refusal to meet as a deliberate affront to his country's diplomatic standing.”
“The poet's work was seen as a profound affront to the establishment, challenging the very social hierarchies that had defined the era for centuries.”
Examples
simple
“The rude comment was a great affront to her family.”
contextual
“The ambassador viewed the refusal to meet as a deliberate affront to his country's diplomatic standing.”
complex
“The poet's work was seen as a profound affront to the establishment, challenging the very social hierarchies that had defined the era for centuries.”
Real-World Examples
“Greenpeace Australia Pacific said the Saraji approval was the 37th fossil fuel project approved by the Albanese government, and was a “double talk” and an “affront” to Pacific leaders and communities.” “González’s personal life aside, any international player joining the SWPL is seen as an affront by LGBTQ+ soccer fans, who are fundamental to the sport around the world.” Etymology
From Middle English afrounten, from Old French afronter (“to hit in the face; to defy”), from Vulgar Latin *affrontare (“to hit in the face”), from Latin ad (“to”) + frōns (“forehead”) (English front).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/affront