impudence

[ im-pyuh-duhns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being impudent; effrontery; insolence.

   Synonyms: pertness, boldness, brazenness, rudeness, gall, nerve, sauce, presumption, lip, face, brass, impertinence

   Antonyms: courtesy

2. impudent conduct or language.
3. Obsolete. lack of modesty; shamelessness.

impudence

/ ˈɪmpjʊdəns /

noun

1. the quality of being impudent
2. an impudent act or statement

Word History and Origins

Origin of impudence¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impudentia shamelessness. See impudent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of impudence¹

C14: from Latin impudēns shameless, from im- (not) + pudēns modest; see pudency

Example Sentences

I ne'er heard yet that any of these bolder vices wanted less impudence to gainsay what they did, than to perform it first.

From Project Gutenberg

On such occasions his unfaltering impudence reached heights truly sublime.

From Project Gutenberg

If ever the cool impudence was suddenly taken out of a man, this question seemed to take it out of Pike.

From Project Gutenberg

The impudence of the authorities, to decoy an unsuspecting workingman across the State line, and then arrest him as my accomplice!

From Project Gutenberg

You have acquired a manner that I can only call august; otherwise, I should have to call it such amazing impudence.

From Project Gutenberg