ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insults

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɪnˌsəɫts// in·sults

n. rude or mean words that someone says to hurt your feelings. People use them to show they do not respect you.

n. disrespectful or scornful remarks intended to offend or demean. Often used in the plural to describe a series of offensive statements.


SIMPLE

He shouted insults at the driver who cut him off.

CONTEXTUAL

The two rivals traded insults for several minutes before the referee finally stepped in to stop the argument.

COMPLEX

The comedian's routine relied heavily on sharp insults directed at the front row, though the audience understood the performance was meant in a spirit of satire rather than genuine malice.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'trade', 'hurl', or 'exchange'.

Pitfall

He said me an insultHe insulted meLearners often use 'say' with the noun instead of using the verb 'insult' or the phrase 'hurled an insult at'.

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