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

“As if yesterday’s impertinence was not enough! Once again, Miss Lumley, it seems you are in receipt of mail.”

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To his fans, the headstone shows an impertinence that borders on the unseemly.

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Coach Matt Peet is normally poker-faced but laughed uproariously in the stand at the sheer impertinence and invention.

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Admirers called them lively topicality and refreshing impertinence.

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At some moments, this prequel series matches the goofy impertinence that made 1978’s “Grease” feature so lovable.

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