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Starstuff Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary

Offend

Hi,

Is there a better word than "piss off", "annoy" or irritate" to use in this case:

Don't ____ your boss/colleages or they will hate you and you'll never get promoted.
Try not to ____ those vets while you are still a rookie since that won't do you any good.

Basically I'm looking for a verb, and once you do that to someone, the relationship between you and that person is deteriorated.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

Hi, It's largely a matter of how much formality/informality you are aiming for. There's quite a number of choices. Very informal - your '4 asterisks off' seems fine.

— Clive

  • Hi, It's largely a matter of how much formality/informality you are aiming for.
  • There's quite a number of choices.
  • Very informal - your '4 asterisks off' seems fine.
  • More formal - how about 'alienate'?
  • Best wishes, Clive
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6 Answers
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Hi,

It's largely a matter of how much formality/informality you are aiming for.

There's quite a number of choices. Very informal - your '4 asterisks off' seems fine. More formal - how about 'alienate'?

Best wishes, Clive
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What about "bother", Clive?

[8]
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Hi,

'Bother' doesn't really sound strong enough or long-term enough.

Best wishes, Clive
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I agree...If I bother someone, that person gets mad but I may not necessarily lose anything.
But if I ____ someone, I'm screwed.
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Other words could be "Insult", and "antagonize".
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