affront
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈfrʌnt/
KK: /əˈfrʌnt/
noun
Definition
A direct and intentional act that offends or insults someone. It can also refer to behavior that shows disrespect or disregard for others.
Example
His rude comments were an affront to her dignity.
Conversation
Did you hear what she said at the meeting?
Yeah, it was surprising to see her make such an affront to the team.
I know, right? It's hard to believe she would say something so rude.
Totally! It just makes things awkward for everyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
insult
offense
slight
Antonyms
compliment
praise
respect
transitive verb
Definition
To insult someone on purpose, especially in a way that is obvious or direct.
Example
His comments were meant to affront her dignity in front of the entire team.
Tense Forms
Past: affronted
Past Participle: affronted
Conversation
I can't believe he would affront you like that in front of everyone.
I know, right? It was so embarrassing and uncalled for.
You should definitely talk to him about how his words can really affront people.
Root Explanation
Affront is derived from the Latin 'affrontare' (meaning to strike against) which is composed of 'ad-' (meaning to) and 'frontem' (meaning front or face). The word originally described an act of striking someone in the face, hence the modern meaning of causing offense or insult.
Memory Tip
Think of 'striking against someone's face' — 'ad-' means to, and 'frontem' refers to the face. This helps you remember that to affront someone means to insult or offend them.
Visually Confused Words
afront
saffron
front
saffrony
afferent