Understanding the Difference Between Affront and Effrontery

October 02, 2024
Understanding the Difference Between Affront and Effrontery

Understanding the Difference Between Affront and Effrontery

Difference Between Affront and Effrontery

History of the Words

The word affront comes from an old French word “afronter,” which means to insult someone to their face. The word effrontery comes from a Latin word “effrons,” which means shameless or bold-faced.

How to Use the Words

Affront is used when someone is offended by something someone said or did. It means a show of disrespect. Effrontery is used when someone acts very bold and rude, without shame. It means shameless behavior.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember, affront is about feeling insulted, and effrontery is about shameless behavior. Affront starts with “a” for “angry,” and effrontery starts with “e” for “embarrass.”

Examples of Affront

  1. She took his comment as an affront to her cooking.
  2. The rude gesture was an affront to his honor.
  3. The bad review was an affront to the writer.
  4. Calling him lazy was an affront to his hard work.
  5. He felt an affront when she ignored his greeting.

Examples of Effrontery

  1. He had the effrontery to lie in front of the judge.
  2. Her effrontery at the meeting shocked everyone.
  3. The child’s effrontery surprised the teacher.
  4. She showed effrontery by interrupting the president.
  5. His effrontery made him unpopular with his peers.

Summary

Affront means feeling insulted, and effrontery means shameless behavior. Affront is like an angry feeling, and effrontery is like acting bold and rude. Remember these simple examples and tricks to tell the difference!