inoffensive

/,inə'fensiv/

Thân thiện

A quiet, inoffensive man reads a book in the park.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not causing offense, harm, or annoyance: Describes something or someone that does not provoke anger, upset, or resentment. It implies being harmless, mild, or unobjectionable.
   • Substituting a mild term for a harsh one: Used to describe language (euphemisms) that is less direct or blunt to avoid causing discomfort.

Usage

• Use "inoffensive" to describe a person's character, behavior, or remarks that are mild and unlikely to upset anyone.
• Use "inoffensive" to describe an object, substance, or activity that is harmless or bland.
• Use "inoffensive" to characterize language that is deliberately softened to avoid being offensive.

Examples

• Describing a person or behavior:
  • He is a quiet, inoffensive man who keeps to himself.
  • The comedian's humor was clean and inoffensive, suitable for all ages.
• Describing a thing or substance:
  • The detergent is inoffensive to sensitive skin.
  • The room was decorated in inoffensive shades of beige and white.
• Describing language:
  • "Passed away" is an inoffensive term for "died".
  • She used inoffensive language to deliver the critical feedback.

Advanced Usage

• "inoffensive enough": Used to indicate something is acceptable primarily because it is not problematic, though it may not be particularly good or interesting.
  • The movie was inoffensive enough, but I wouldn't watch it again.
• "deliberately inoffensive": Describes something carefully crafted or chosen to avoid causing any possible offense.
  • The politician gave a deliberately inoffensive, non-committal answer.

Variants and Related Words

• Inoffensively (adverb): In a manner that does not cause offense.
  • He stated his opinion inoffensively.
• Inoffensiveness (noun): The quality of being inoffensive.
  • The inoffensiveness of his comments made them forgettable.

Synonyms

• Harmless: Not able or likely to cause harm.
• Unobjectionable: Not arousing disapproval or opposition.
• Bland: Lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting, often in a way that avoids offense.
• Neutral: Not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement; impartial and non-provocative.
• Mild: Not severe, harsh, or extreme.

Antonyms

• Offensive: Causing someone to feel resentful, upset, or annoyed; also, actively aggressive or attacking.
• Objectionable: Arousing disapproval or protest; offensive.
• Harmful: Causing or likely to cause harm.
• Provocative: Causing anger, outrage, or strong reaction, especially deliberately.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To give no offense: To act or speak in a way that does not upset anyone. This phrase is a close paraphrase of one meaning of "inoffensive."
  • He always chooses his words carefully to give no offense.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. substituting a mild term for a harsher or distasteful one
   • `peepee' is a common euphemistic term
2. giving no offense
   • a quiet inoffensive man
   • a refreshing inoffensive stimulant
3. not causing anger or annoyance
   • inoffensive behavior

Từ đồng nghĩa

• euphemistic
• unoffending