“Affront” vs. “Effrontery”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “affront” and “effrontery”

  • Affront implies a direct insult or offense, while effrontery suggests a broader disregard for social norms or expectations, often involving a lack of shame or modesty in one's actions or speech.
  • An affront is focused on the act itself and how it is received by the person affected, whereas effrontery emphasizes the boldness or insolence displayed by the individual engaging in the behavior.
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What is the definition of “affront” and “effrontery”?

Affront
  • Affront is a noun that refers to an insult or an offense given intentionally or unintentionally.
  • It can also be used as a verb to mean to offend or insult someone openly.
  • It implies a direct confrontation or challenge to one's dignity or self-respect.
Effrontery
  • Effrontery is a noun that refers to rude or disrespectful behavior which does not show any shame or embarrassment.
  • It is used to describe the audacious or insolent conduct of someone who does not respect others or rules.
  • It implies a blatant disregard for social norms and moral values.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Affront” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Affront
10,300,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. It was an affront to her dignity when her boss publicly criticized her work.
  2. His rude behavior towards his grandparents was considered an affront by their close-knit community.
  3. The coach's decision to not let the star player participate in the game was an affront to the team's chances of winning.
Effrontery
896,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. His effrontery in asking for a promotion after just two months on the job was astounding.
  2. The politician had the effrontery to claim that he had never taken a bribe in his entire career.
  3. The customer's effrontery in demanding a refund even though the store's policies clearly stated no refunds were given was frustrating for the sales associate.
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