affronti

Affronti is the plural form of the Italian noun affronto, which denotes an affront or insult that harms a person’s dignity. The term typically refers to a deliberate slight or challenge to honor, and is used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to describe offenses against one’s pride or social standing. In everyday speech, it is common to use synonyms such as offesa or insulto, but affronti carries a nuanced emphasis on dignity and public perception.

Etymology and related forms

Affronto derives from the verb affrontare, meaning to confront or face. The noun affronto thus arose from the idea of turning toward someone in a confrontation or challenge, with the sense evolving to “an act that affronts.” The plural form affronti is used for multiple offenses or insults. The spelling affronto/affronti is distinct from the verb forms of affrontare, which share the same root but function as a different part of speech.

Usage and nuances

Affronti conveys a sense of intentional disrespect or a breach of honor, often implying social or personal significance beyond a simple insult. It can appear in legal, political, or literary discourse to describe perceived slights or affronts to dignity. Phrases such as “prendere un affronto” (take an affront) and “un affronto alla dignità” are common.

Other notes

Affronti also appears as a verb form: the second-person singular present indicative of affrontare (tu affronti) and the third-person singular present subjunctive (che lui affronti). This homography may require context to resolve meaning. See also insulto, offesa, oltraggio for related concepts.