inoffensive
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/
KK: /ɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/
adjective
Definition
Not causing any harm or offense; safe and acceptable in nature.
Example
The movie was inoffensive and suitable for all ages.
Conversation
I think that joke was pretty inoffensive, right?
Yeah, it was light-hearted and didn't hurt anyone's feelings.
Exactly! Sometimes it's nice to just share something fun and inoffensive.
For sure! Humor should always be enjoyable for everyone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
harmless
inoffensive
unobjectionable
Antonyms
offensive
harmful
provocative
Root Explanation
Inoffensive → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "offensive" (from Latin "offendere", meaning to strike against or hurt). The word "inoffensive" means not striking against or causing harm, hence, harmless.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('in-') causing harm or offense ('offensive') — that's why inoffensive means harmless.
Visually Confused Words
unoffensive
offensive
nonoffensive
unoffensively
offensively
indefensive
intensive
infestive