impertinence
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
Lack of respect; rudeness, especially from someone of lower status.
Irrelevant or intrusive remarks or actions; an instance of being insolent or presumptuous.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a breach of social or hierarchical decorum. Can refer to both the abstract quality of rudeness and a specific rude remark or act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More frequent and slightly more formal in British English. American English may use 'impudence' or 'insolence' more readily in some contexts.
Connotations
In both, carries a connotation of class-based disrespect. In British English, may retain a stronger sense of social hierarchy.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is an impertinence to + INFhave the impertinence to + INFpunish/correct someone for their impertinenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically, but often used in the phrase 'have the impertinence to do something'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might describe an employee's disrespectful challenge to management.
Academic
Used in historical or social analysis discussing class relations or decorum.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Used humorously or sarcastically to chide someone.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- His impertinent remarks shocked the guests.
American English
- That's an impertinent question to ask a stranger.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was impertinent of him to ask how much she earns.
- The teacher told him off for his impertinence.
- I will not tolerate such impertinence from a junior member of staff.
- She had the impertinence to suggest I didn't know my own job.
- His letter was a masterpiece of calculated impertinence, questioning the committee's very authority.
- The historian viewed the peasant's protest not as rebellion, but as an intolerable impertinence in the eyes of the nobility.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IM-PERT-IN-ENCE. Think: 'IMproper PERTurbation' – causing improper disturbance by being rude.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISRESPECT IS AN INTRUSION / BREACH OF BOUNDARIES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'неуместность' (inappropriateness). The core is 'дерзость', 'наглость', 'непочтительность'.
- The related adjective 'impertinent' is often translated as 'нахальный', 'дерзкий'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'impertinance'.
- Confusing with 'imperturbable' (calm).
- Using in overly informal contexts where 'cheek' or 'nerve' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'impertinence' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Impertinence' often implies violating social hierarchy or norms of respect, while 'impudence' is a more general, bold disrespect. They are largely synonymous, but 'impertinence' is more formal.
Very rarely. It is almost exclusively negative, though it might be used with mild, humorous exasperation (e.g., 'Oh, the impertinence of the child!').
Yes, 'impertinent' is encountered more frequently than 'impertinence' in modern usage.
Yes, historically it could mean 'irrelevance' (from Latin 'impertinens', 'not pertaining to'), but this sense is now archaic.