impertinent

[ im-pur-tn-uhnt ]

See synonyms for impertinent on Thesaurus.com

adjective

intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth.
not pertinent or relevant; irrelevant: an impertinent detail.

Archaic. inappropriate, incongruous, or absurd.
Obsolete. (of persons) trivial, silly, or absurd.

Origin of impertinent

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Late Latin impertinent- (stem of impertinēns ) “not belonging.” See im-², pertinent

synonym study For impertinent

1. Impertinent, impudent, insolent refer to bold, rude, and arrogant behavior. Impertinent, from its primary meaning of not pertinent and hence inappropriate or out of place, has come to imply often an unseemly intrusion into what does not concern one, or a presumptuous rudeness toward one entitled to deference or respect: an impertinent interruption, question, manner toward a teacher. Impudent suggests a bold and shameless impertinence: an impudent speech, young rascal. Insolent suggests insulting or arrogantly contemptuous behavior: unbearably insolent toward those in authority.

Other words for impertinent

1	fresh, bold, insulting, officious, saucy, pert, brazen

See synonyms for impertinent on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for impertinent

polite

See antonyms for impertinent on Thesaurus.com

Other words from impertinent

im·per·ti·nent·ly, adverb
im·per·ti·nent·ness, noun
un·im·per·ti·nent, adjective
un·im·per·ti·nent·ly, adverb

Words Nearby impertinent

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use impertinent in a sentence

Well, nothing except hard feelings from impertinent comments made by bewigged egocentrics with fiery tempers.
James Madison’s Lesson in Delayed Great-ification | Kevin Bleyer | July 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Edmund is now 4, and is a giggly, sociable, nosy, occasionally impertinent boy.
The Cost of Raising a Special Needs Son | Elizabeth Picciuto | June 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Yes, Paul brought it up in a way that was impertinent and likely a political ploy.
Stop Slut-Shaming Monica Lewinsky! | Emily Shire | May 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But uncomfortable —and arguably impertinent—questions are now fair game.
French President François Hollande Slams Affair Allegations | Tracy McNicoll | January 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
In fact, I think it's rather impertinent of you to raise the question, don't you?
How Legitimate Was My Rape? | Justin Green | August 20, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

Of course, she should not have minded so keenly the foolish talk of an impertinent and unkind girl.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn | Margaret Penrose
As you will see, I was unable to end my letter without a touch of impertinent irony, which proved how much in love I still was.
Camille (La Dame aux Camilias) | Alexandre Dumas, fils
He delivered to the Secretary of State a note abusive and impertinent beyond all example and all endurance.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington Macaulay
They are as impertinent as those people who stop you only to bore you; but the former are perhaps less irksome.
The 'Characters' of Jean de La Bruyre | Jean de La Bruyre
She was a little impertinent, the Duchess thought, decidedly aggressive, and not witty enough to carry it off.
Marriage la mode | Mrs. Humphry Ward

British Dictionary definitions for impertinent

impertinent

/ (ɪmˈpɜːtɪnənt) /

adjective

rude; insolent; impudent
irrelevant or inappropriate

Origin of impertinent

C14: from Latin impertinēns not belonging, from Latin im- (not) + pertinēre to be relevant; see pertain

Derived forms of impertinent

impertinently, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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