Hello Kathleen, 'to affront' means to treat, mention or speak to rudely. It extends to many kinds of rude treatment, whether verbally or in the form of a certain behavior. 'insult' on the other hand is rather in the form of a verbal remark, that is rude or offensive. Both actions result in being hurt and offended, while ' affront' reflects a broader sense and takes more forms than 'insult'. 'to affront' refers to deliberate actions of rudeness inclusive verbal remarks,while 'insult' is more focused on such remarks of any kind. Examples: "insult" " His remarks were an insult to their intelligence." " Their ads are an insult to women." " affront" "This incident affronted him in particular." " He felt affronted when his friend turned his back on him."

affront is a body action insult is more a verbal action

I had fun checking the etymology of these words. "Affront" had an old meaning of striking someone, on the head. From the front, of course. "Insult" comes from an old meaning of literally jumping on someone! Nowadays the meanings are very similar (as explained above), but it's good to keep these old images in mind. So if you're not sure whether you feel affronted or insulted, ask yourself: do you feel like someone's stepped in front of you and hit you on the head, or do you feel jumped on? :P

Affront means to insult intentionally, especially openly. Insult means to treat with gross insensitivity, insolence, or contemptuous rudeness. it is a more general word. That's why it is more commonly used as Natalie said.

They're very close in meaning. Insult is more commonly used. Examples: "He insulted his teacher." "His words were considered an insult." Affront is used less often. Usually, affront is used when an insult is intentional. Even then, insult is more commonly used. Example: "His act was an affront to the king."