impertinence

American  

[im-pur-tn-uhns] / ɪmˈpɜr tn əns /

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.

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impertinence British  

/ ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns /

noun

1. disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence

2. an impertinent act, gesture, etc

3. rare lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness

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Etymology

Origin of impertinence

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

Example Sentences

Divided by competing urges to “join in and stand out,” the dandy exaggerates style to the point of satire and social impertinence.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Literature

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

Admirers called them lively topicality and refreshing impertinence.

From New York Times