How to pronounce offense
Say it like uh-FENS. Offense has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FENS).
- uh
- FENS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Offense pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FENSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of offense
American and British speakers say offense in essentially the same way: /əˈfɛns/ in the US and /əˈfɛns/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-FENS.
What does offense mean?
- a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
- a feeling of anger caused by being offended“he took offence at my question”
- a transgression that constitutes a violation of what is judged to be right
Where does offense come from?
From Middle English offence, from Old French offense, from Latin offensa (“a striking against; displeasure; injury”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- offence
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with offense
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of offense.
Questions about saying offense
How do you pronounce offense?
Say uh-FENS. The American pronunciation is /əˈfɛns/. In British English it is /əˈfɛns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in offense?
Offense has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FENS). Broken into parts: uh · FENS.
Do Americans and Brits say offense the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈfɛns/ and the British form is /əˈfɛns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.