Learn English – the word for the state of being offended

nouns

For instance, if I am mad, I can manage my madness, grumpy people exist in a state of grumpiness. What is the noun associated with being offended? Offendedness doesn't seem right

Best Answer

Dictionary.com lists "offendedness" as an acceptable noun:

Related forms

  • offendable, adjective
  • offendedly, adverb
  • offendedness, noun
  • offender, noun
  • half-offended, adjective

But I do agree with you that it sounds a bit stilted. Regardless, it is still correct.

Though there is no synonymous noun (none that I can find, at least), there are alternatives that you can use.

Using a gerund, you can convert a verb into a noun. This means that "to take offense" and "to be offended" are valid when you use them as a gerund:

  • I tried to avoid taking offense.
  • I know I am sensitive to being offended.
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