What does insulted mean?
Insulted means that someone has been treated with offensive or disrespectful words or behavior. It can function as the past tense and past participle of the verb insult, as in 'she insulted her opponent,' and as an adjective describing the person affected: 'he felt insulted.' The word is common in both British and American English and can refer to deliberate mockery, humiliation, belittling, or an offensive remark. In everyday use, it often suggests that the speaker believes the other person has been shown a lack of respect. The related noun insult names the offensive remark or act, while insulter names the person who gives it. Although an insult may be verbal, its emotional effect can be serious, particularly when it attacks someone’s dignity, identity, or social standing. Insulted is therefore useful for describing not only a specific act of disrespect but also the resulting feeling of offense.
To treat someone with an offensive or disrespectful remark or act.
"The interviewer apologized for insulting the guest."
This is the past tense and past participle of insult.
Feeling offended, disrespected, or demeaned by what someone has said or done.
"She was insulted by the employee’s dismissive response."
This adjectival use commonly describes a person’s reaction to an insult.
A verbal attack can leave no mark on the skin, yet make someone feel profoundly wounded.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does insulted come from?
The word descends from Middle English insulter, borrowed from Old French insulter, which came from the Latin insultare, meaning ‘to speak against’ or ‘to attack with words.’ Its modern sense developed through the related noun insult and the verb usage meaning to offer an affront. The same Latin root underlies related English forms such as insulter and insulting, which preserve the idea of attacking someone through speech.
Related word forms
How insulted is actually used
The term can be used in formal and informal contexts, but it usually carries a strongly negative emotional charge. As an adjective, it commonly appears after forms of the verb be, as in 'was insulted' or 'felt insulted.'
Easily confused with insulted
Insulted means offended or demeaned, whereas assaulted means physically attacked or threatened.