Offence Meaning in English

word

US

/əˈfɛns/

uh-FENS

UK

/əˈfɛns/

uh-FENS

Definition

'Offence' can mean something that makes someone feel hurt or insulted, or it can refer to a crime or illegal act.

Usage & Nuances

British spelling is 'offence', while American English uses 'offense'. In law, 'offence' refers to a crime; in daily language, it usually means an insult. Common expressions: 'take offence', 'criminal offence', 'no offence' (an idiom used before or after saying something that might upset someone).

• Spanish: ofensa - delito
• Portuguese (BR): ofensa - delito
• Portuguese (PT): ofensa - delito
• Chinese (Simplified): 冒犯 - 罪行
• Chinese (Traditional): 冒犯 - 罪行
• Hindi: अपमान - अपराध
• Arabic: إساءة - جريمة
• Bengali: অপমান - অপরাধ
• Russian: оскорбление - преступление
• Japanese: 侮辱 - 犯罪
• Vietnamese: xúc phạm - tội phạm
• Korean: 모욕 - 범죄
• Turkish: hakaret - suç
• Urdu: توہین - جرم
• Indonesian: penghinaan - pelanggaran (hukum)

Example Sentences

He did not mean any offence with his comment.

basic

Stealing is a criminal offence.

basic

She apologized if she caused any offence.

basic

No offence, but I think you could have done better.

natural

He took great offence at her joke.

natural

Parking here is a minor offence, not a serious crime.

natural