ofende

Ofende is a verb form found in the Portuguese and Spanish languages, serving as the third-person singular present indicative of the verb meaning to offend or insult. In ordinary usage, it corresponds to statements such as “he offends” or, in many contexts, “you offend” when using the formal or third-person form in some dialects.

Etymology and cognates: The form arises from the Romance verb ofender/ofender, which in turn descends from the Latin offendere, meaning to strike against or to offend. Related verbs appear in other Romance languages with similar meanings, such as Spanish and Portuguese. The present tense form for the third person singular is typically ofende in both languages, with variations across regions in pronunciation and usage.

Grammar and usage: In Portuguese, the full present indicative paradigm of ofender includes eu ofendo, tu ofendes, ele/ela ofende, nós ofendemos, vós ofendeis, eles/elas ofendem. The form ofende is commonly used with third-person subjects or with the formal você. In Spanish, the corresponding forms are yo ofendo, tú ofendes, él/ella ofende, nosotros/ofendemos, vosotros/ofendéis, ellos/ellas ofenden. The word can be used both literally (to offend someone with words or actions) and figuratively (to offend sensibilities or norms).

Notes: The exact sense and connotation of ofende can vary by context and register, from neutral to pejorative. It is often found in discussions of behavior, etiquette, or social conflict.