impertinent

[ im-pur-tn-uhnt ]

adjective

1. intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil:

   a brash, impertinent youth.

   Synonyms: brazen, pert, saucy, officious, insulting, bold, fresh

   Antonyms: polite

2. not pertinent or relevant; irrelevant:

   an impertinent detail.

3. Archaic. inappropriate, incongruous, or absurd.
4. Obsolete. (of persons) trivial, silly, or absurd.

impertinent

/ ɪmˈpɜːtɪnənt /

adjective

1. rude; insolent; impudent
2. irrelevant or inappropriate

Derived Forms

• imˈpertinently, adverb

Other Words From

• im·perti·nent·ly adverb
• im·perti·nent·ness noun
• unim·perti·nent adjective
• unim·perti·nent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of impertinent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Late Latin impertinent- (stem of impertinēns ) “not belonging.” See im- ², pertinent

Word History and Origins

Origin of impertinent¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Well, nothing except hard feelings from impertinent comments made by bewigged egocentrics with fiery tempers.

From The Daily Beast

Edmund is now 4, and is a giggly, sociable, nosy, occasionally impertinent boy.

From The Daily Beast

Yes, Paul brought it up in a way that was impertinent and likely a political ploy.

From The Daily Beast

But uncomfortable —and arguably impertinent—questions are now fair game.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, I think it's rather impertinent of you to raise the question, don't you?

From The Daily Beast

Of course, she should not have minded so keenly the foolish talk of an impertinent and unkind girl.

From Project Gutenberg

As you will see, I was unable to end my letter without a touch of impertinent irony, which proved how much in love I still was.

From Project Gutenberg

He delivered to the Secretary of State a note abusive and impertinent beyond all example and all endurance.

From Project Gutenberg

They are as impertinent as those people who stop you only to bore you; but the former are perhaps less irksome.

From Project Gutenberg

She was a little impertinent, the Duchess thought, decidedly aggressive, and not witty enough to carry it off.

From Project Gutenberg