noun
impertinence
ihm-PUR-tih-nuhns
noun
1
Rudeness or disrespect, especially from someone speaking out of turn.
"The teacher was not amused by the student's impertinence."
"His impertinence toward the judge nearly landed him in contempt of court."
How to Use Impertinence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheeky, disrespectful behaviour, usually toward someone who deserves more respect.
Common pairings
sheer impertinence
an act of impertinence
Word Forms
impertinences plural
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Etymology
From Middle French impertinence, from impertinent.