Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • In an inoffensive manner; without giving offense; in a manner not to offend, disturb, or displease.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adverb In an inoffensive manner.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adverb in a not unpleasantly offensive manner

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

inoffensive +‎ -ly

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Examples

  • In other clips, he acted inoffensively, if goofily.

    Week in Ideas Christopher Shea 2011

  • The writer is clearly trying to say something objectionable–something she feels, in her gut (despite the fact that she believes it), is the wrong thing to say–as inoffensively as sheÂcan.

    The Volokh Conspiracy » 1. Science, Faith, and Not Ruling Out Possibilities 2010

  • Yes, Hound Dog, I read "The Ugly American" a long time ago and have lived successfully and inoffensively in as many different cultures as you have, including France, Alabama, and Marin County.

    Page 2 2009

  • In the afternoon, the little dog calms down, padding inoffensively around my office as I write.

    Tim Dowling: I must bond with the new dog Tim Dowling 2010

  • Yes, Hound Dog, I read "The Ugly American" a long time ago and have lived successfully and inoffensively in as many different cultures as you have, including France, Alabama, and Marin County.

    Page 2 2009

  • Yes, Hound Dog, I read "The Ugly American" a long time ago and have lived successfully and inoffensively in as many different cultures as you have, including France, Alabama, and Marin County.

    Page 2 2009

  • Michelle walked a fine tightrope during the campaign of appearing inoffensively, powerfully, uniquely and chicly dressed, and she pulled it off for the most part with aplomb.

    What the Aughts Taught Us: The Decade's Most Stylish Women Elizabeth Nicholas 2010

  • Manford and Jones could be Chiles and Bleakley's doppelgangers – inoffensively dough-faced Everyman on the left, attractive olive-skinned brunette with piano keyboard smile on the right.

    The One Show: New dressing, same tasty morsels 2010

  • The writer is clearly trying to say something objectionable–something she feels, in her gutdespite the fact that she believes it, is the wrong thing to say–as inoffensively as sheÂcan.

    The Volokh Conspiracy » 1. Science, Faith, and Not Ruling Out Possibilities 2010

  • Michelle walked a fine tightrope during the campaign of appearing inoffensively, powerfully, uniquely and chicly dressed, and she pulled it off for the most part with aplomb.

    Elizabeth Nicholas: What the Aughts Taught Us: The Decade's Most Stylish Women 2010

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