offensively meaning and definition

OFFENSIVELY adverb

Definition of offensively (adverb)

1. in an unpleasantly offensive manner
   • "he smelled offensively unwashed"
   • antonym: inoffensively
2. in an obnoxious manner
   • "he said so in one of his more offensively intellectually arrogant sentences"
   • synonyms: objectionably, obnoxiously
3. in an aggressive manner
   • "`In this crisis, we must act offensively,' the President said"; "the admiral intends to act offensively in the Mediterranean"
   • antonym: defensively