To insult= To give offense; offend: Example: He gave a speech that was intended to insult/ give offense to people.. insulting = being offensive Example: The students were insulting each other by calling people offensive names.

The first example is of two nouns. The second example is of two adjectives.

1. That act is an insult to me. 2. You are too offensive about this matter. 3. Don't be too offensive, I'm just asking you about this matter. 4. That is an insult, not a compliment anymore. 5. You are already insulting me. 6. This is your first offense of being late. 7. I have to tell you this, no offense meant. Insult is much degrading than offensive words.

insult/offence both are noun. they dont describe anything. they are name of an action or feeling. He insulted me (note: insult is an action) but when you want to describe something which is causing the insult, you use insulting which is an adjective. his behaviour was insulting (note: you are describing his behaviour)