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impertinent — not showing proper respect; rude and discourteous

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: not showing proper respect; rude and discourteous

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnənt/

Example Sentences

  • The waiter found the customer's impertinent demands quite annoying.
  • My cat gives me the most impertinent looks when I forget to feed her on time.
  • The detective dismissed the witness's testimony as impertinent to the case.

impertinent

ADJECTIVE

[/ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnənt/]

not showing proper respect; rude and discourteous

The impertinent boy interrupted the queen mid-speech to correct her grammar.
💡 Concept

The impertinent boy interrupted the queen mid-speech to correct her grammar.

I'm pert in tent — rude and impertinent!
🧠 Mnemonic

I'm pert in tent — rude and impertinent!

Being impertinent about pertinent information!
🎵 Rhyme

Being impertinent about pertinent information!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnənt/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪmˈpɜːtɪnənt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixim--
Rootpertin-
Suffix--ent

Origin

From Latin impertinens, composed of the prefix im- (not) and pertinens (relevant, appropriate), derived from pertinere (to pertain or relate to). The word entered English in the 15th century to describe something that is not relevant or fitting, and later expanded to mean disrespectful or rude.

Breakdown

im- (not) + pertinent (relevant, from Latin pertinens) = impertinent (not relevant; rude and disrespectful)

🎵Rhyme

pertinent
continent

🔗Collocations

impertinent question
impertinent behavior
impertinent remark
find something impertinent
impertinent child

📝Examples

“The waiter found the customer's impertinent demands quite annoying.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat gives me the most impertinent looks when I forget to feed her on time.”

“The detective dismissed the witness's testimony as impertinent to the case.”

“His impertinent joke during the funeral made everyone uncomfortable.”

📚Related Words

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