impertinent

[ im-pur-tn-uhnt ]

/ ɪmˈpɜr tn ənt /

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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.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

impersonate, impersonation, impersonator, impertinence, impertinency, impertinent, impertinently, imperturbable, imperturbation, impervious, impetiginous

Origin of impertinent

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin impertinent- (stem of impertinēns) not belonging. See im-², pertinent

SYNONYMS FOR impertinent

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

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ANTONYMS FOR impertinent

1 polite.

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Related formsim·per·ti·nent·ly, adverbim·per·ti·nent·ness, nounun·im·per·ti·nent, adjectiveun·im·per·ti·nent·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impertinent

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|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|DAILY BEAST
In fact, a few seconds after the impertinent question was asked, William handed the child back to its parents.
Is Kate Pregnant? William and Kate Amp Up the Baby Speculation|Tom Sykes|April 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
We celebrated by getting the editor and founder, Tina Brown, to answer some impertinent questions.
The Daily Beast Turns 2!|Tina Brown|October 5, 2010|DAILY BEAST

Would it be impertinent of me to offer some advice to you and your readers?
Dear Tina, Try Riding The Subway|Toby Young|January 13, 2009|DAILY BEAST
But to leaue these impertinent discourses, and returne againe to the springs whereby our Pant or Gwin is increased.
Chronicles (1 of 6): The Description of Britaine|Raphaell Holinshed
Addressed to impertinent persons who find fault with the personal appearance or dress of others.
The Proverbs of Scotland|Alexander Hislop
There, you low blackguard, that will teach you to be impertinent to a lady.
Beyond the City|Arthur Conan Doyle
She's a nasty, insolent, impertinent creature;—that's what she is!
The Eustace Diamonds|Anthony Trollope
“No, not any,” replied the young man, checking his inclination to retaliate the impertinent style of his interrogator.
The Maroon|Mayne Reid

British Dictionary definitions for impertinent

impertinent

/ (ɪmˈpɜːtɪnənt) /

adjective

rude; insolent; impudent

irrelevant or inappropriate

Derived Formsimpertinently, adverb

Word Origin for impertinent

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

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