inoffensive

Everyday

1. Not likely to upset, annoy or offend anyone; harmless. tree →
2. Pleasant but rather dull or ordinary: an inoffensive colour. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: an inoffensive joke, an inoffensive little animal, an inoffensive beige wall. In stories it can describe a quiet, harmless character, sometimes unfairly picked on. Phrases: quite inoffensive, perfectly inoffensive, a mild inoffensive man.

Examples

• The joke was inoffensive, so everyone laughed. tree →
• Grass snakes are inoffensive and won't hurt you. tree →
• He was a quiet, inoffensive boy who never caused trouble. tree →
• They painted the room an inoffensive cream. tree →
• It's better to pick an inoffensive team name. tree →
• The puppy was inoffensive, just very excited. tree →

Note

Opposite: «offensive». «Inoffensive» can be praise (harmless) or mild criticism (boring).