impertinence

[ im-pur-tn-uhns ]

noun

1. unmannerly intrusion or presumption; insolence.
2. impertinent quality or action.
3. something impertinent, as an act or statement.
4. an impertinent person.
5. irrelevance, inappropriateness, or absurdity.

impertinence

/ ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns /

noun

1. disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence
2. an impertinent act, gesture, etc
3. rare.
   lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness

Word History and Origins

Origin of impertinence¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; impertin(ency) + -ence

Example Sentences

I thought at the moment it was some of his damned impertinence, but concluded that he had something on his mind.

From Project Gutenberg

A dignified, modest reserve is the surest way to repel impertinence.

From Project Gutenberg

“I dare say that looked very much like a gratuitous impertinence from—the packer,” he observed.

From Project Gutenberg

The accused malignants, on the other hand, complained bitterly of the impertinence of meddling fanatics and hypocrites.

From Project Gutenberg

"You know quite well that nothing amuses me," said she, shrugging her shoulders with a supreme impertinence.

From Project Gutenberg