insolence
[in-suh-luh ns]
- contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech.
- the quality or condition of being insolent.
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Origin of insolence
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for insolence
gall, contumely, contempt, presumption, insubordination, arrogance, lip, sauce, impudence, impertinence, incivility, brazenness, guff, abuse, rudeness, brass, chutzpah, effrontery, hardihood, sassExamples from the Web for insolence
Historical Examples of insolence
And then her insolence reached its culmination in a query of her own: "Was his name Griggs?"
Within the LawMarvin Dana
He excludes "the insolence of office," and "the cutpurse of the empire and the rule."
I asked if this was her own insolence, or her young mistress's observation?
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
And Mr. Lovelace's insolence will make me go very home with myself.
Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)Samuel Richardson
Not even her wrath at the girl's insolence could wholly overcome her wonder.
Old Greek Folk Stories Told AnewJosephine Preston Peabody
Word Origin and History for insolence
late 14c., from Latin insolentia "unusualness, haughtiness, arrogance," from insolentem (see insolent).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper