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 Word Forms

• 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

It seemed almost impertinent to ask whether they believed a sustainable path for CTG was feasible in this uncertain environment, but the question needed to be asked.

From Los Angeles Times

The TV set is in your house, and you’re sitting six feet away from it, and especially in the wee hours of the night, whatever’s staring back at you can feel eerie, or impertinent.

From New York Times

"All these questions are very impertinent, I know, but if there is still a feeling in your heart for me… you must let me know!"

From BBC

Mr. Hillyard has irritated Mr. Trump before with questions that the former president deemed impertinent.

From New York Times

In 2015, the commission tried to implement rules that threatened expulsion for anyone who make “repetitious, personal, impertinent or profane remarks.”

From Los Angeles Times

Quiz

Q: Fill in the blank: "Salchipapas" is a portmanteau of the Spanish words for ______ and ______.

• salt and potatoes
• sausage and French fries
• sardines and French fries

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