Definition

1. Noun:
   • Lack of respect; rudeness: The quality of being rude or not showing proper respect, especially to someone who is older or in a position of authority.
   • An impudent act or statement: A specific action or remark that is disrespectfully bold or forward.
   • Irrelevance; inappropriateness: The quality of being not pertinent or appropriate to the matter at hand. (This meaning is less common in modern usage.)

Usage

• As an uncountable noun (quality): Used to describe the general trait of being rude or disrespectful.
  • His constant impertinence towards the teacher was unacceptable.
• As a countable noun (specific act): Used to refer to a particular disrespectful action or comment.
  • She was fired for a series of impertinences directed at her manager.

Examples

• General rudeness:
  • The student's impertinence shocked the principal.
  • I will not tolerate such impertinence in my classroom.
• Specific impudent remark:
  • He had the impertinence to tell the CEO how to run the company.
  • Her reply was a sheer impertinence.
• Irrelevance (less common):
  • The lawyer objected to the line of questioning, citing its complete impertinence to the case.

Advanced Usage

• "To have the impertinence to do something": This is a common construction used to express strong disapproval of someone's audacity in doing something disrespectful.
  • He had the impertinence to ask for a raise after being late every day this week.

Variants and Related Words

• Impertinent (adjective): Rude and not showing respect.
  • That was an impertinent question.
• Pertinence (noun): The quality of being relevant or applicable. (This is an antonym for the "irrelevance" sense of ).
  • The judge questioned the pertinence of the evidence.

Synonyms

• Insolence: Openly rude and disrespectful behavior.
• Impudence: The quality of being offensively bold.
• Cheek (informal): Disrespectful talk or behavior.
• Sauciness: Lively and bold disrespect, often in a playful way.
• Effrontery: Shameless boldness; audacity.

Antonyms

• Respect: A feeling of deep admiration or deference.
• Politeness: Behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.
• Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others.
• Deference: Humble submission and respect.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• None that feature the word "impertinence" itself as a core component. However, the concept is captured in phrases like:
  • "To be fresh with someone": To be impudent or disrespectful towards someone.
  • "To have a lot of nerve": To have the audacity to do something bold, often disrespectful.

Noun

1. inappropriate playfulness
2. the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
3. an impudent statement