offensively
/əˈfensɪvli/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈfensɪvli/ (ame, ipa) · /-sə̇vlē, -li/ (ame, mw)
offensively — adverb
1. with little respect for other people, so that they feel hurt, shocked, or angry
with little respect for other people, so that they feel hurt, shocked, or angry
The host spoke offensively about migrant workers on live radio.
speak offensively about [group]
During the meeting, the manager joked offensively about Ada's accent.
joke offensively about [person]
A caller answered offensively when the nurse asked a routine question.
An anonymous post offensively mocked wheelchair users after the school election.
The blogger wrote offensively about refugees in yesterday's post.
- rudely
more everyday and broader; it can describe bad manners without deeply hurting someone
- insultingly
stronger and more directly aimed at making a person feel belittled
- disrespectfully
focuses on showing too little respect, especially toward a person or group
- politely
with good manners and care for other people's feelings
- respectfully
showing regard rather than causing offence
文法句型
verb + offensively
speak/joke/write offensively
offensively about + person/group
用法筆記
Most often used with verbs of speaking, writing, joking, or replying. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about causing offence with words or behaviour, not about launching an attack.
常見錯誤
2. with the aim of creating chances and scoring in a game, instead of mainly trying
with the aim of creating chances and scoring in a game, instead of mainly trying to stop the other side
The team played offensively from the first whistle and scored twice.
play offensively
Coach Rivera set the side up offensively with three quick forwards.
set up offensively
Even while leading, the visitors kept pushing offensively for another goal.
The guards moved offensively, looking for fast passes into the paint.
Late in the match, Taipei switched offensively and attacked the rim.
- aggressively
broader; can describe forceful play in general, not only a scoring-focused setup
- on the front foot
a more idiomatic phrase, especially in British sports writing, for taking the initiative
- defensively
with the priority on stopping the other side from scoring
- cautiously
with less risk-taking and less forward pressure
文法句型
play offensively
set up offensively
push offensively
用法筆記
Common in sports writing about formations, tactics, and player movement. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about earning points in a game, not about attacking an enemy or target.
常見錯誤
3. by taking the attack to an enemy or target, rather than staying back to protect
by taking the attack to an enemy or target, rather than staying back to protect yourself
The army moved offensively at dawn instead of waiting behind the river.
move offensively
The drone was used offensively against radar stations near the coast.
used offensively against [target]
After the warning, the militia responded offensively and shelled the border town.
Hackers acted offensively, trying to shut down the city's power system.
The rebels pushed offensively once government troops lost their air cover.
- aggressively
broader and less technical; can describe tone or behaviour as well as strategic attack
- hostilely
stresses open enmity, not necessarily a planned tactical move
- defensively
with the focus on protection rather than striking first
- passively
without taking direct attacking action
文法句型
act offensively against + target
use something offensively
move/respond offensively
用法筆記
Used when the focus is on taking action against an opponent or target, especially in military or security contexts. Distinguish from sense 2: here the target is an enemy or objective, not points in a sporting contest.