impertinence

im·per·ti·nence

noun
\(ˌ)im-ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s, -ˈpərt-nən(t)s\

Definition of IMPERTINENCE

1

: the quality or state of being impertinent: as a : irrelevance, inappropriateness b : incivility, insolence

2

: an instance of impertinence

Examples of IMPERTINENCE

1. <a disciplinarian of the old school, he refused to tolerate any impertinence from his children>
2. <the impertinence of deliberately ignoring waiting customers while they finished their conversation>

First Known Use of IMPERTINENCE

1603

Related to IMPERTINENCE

Synonyms: backchat, cheek, back talk, impudence, insolence, mouth, sass, sauce

Antonyms: civility, considerateness, consideration, courtesy, genteelness, gentility, graciousness, politeness, politesse, thoughtfulness

Related Words: comeback, rejoinder, retort, riposte, wisecrack; cuteness, discourtesy, disrespect, guff, impoliteness, nonsense, rudeness, tactlessness; audaciousness, audacity, boldness, brazenness; coarseness, crassness, crudity, vulgarity; abruptness, bluffness, bluntness, brusqueness, crossness, curtness, gruffness, surliness

Near Antonyms: civility, cordiality, courtesy, diplomacy, politeness, tactfulness; consideration, gallantry, gentility, graciousness, smoothness, suaveness, suavity; deference, respect; affability

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