impertinent

im·per·ti·nent

adjective \(ˌ)im-ˈpər-tə-nənt, -ˈpərt-nənt\

Definition of IMPERTINENT

1

: not pertinent : irrelevant

2

a : not restrained within due or proper bounds especially of propriety or good taste <impertinent curiosity>

b : given to or characterized by insolent rudeness <an impertinent answer>

— im·per·ti·nent·ly adverb

Examples of IMPERTINENT

1. She asked a few impertinent questions.
2. <the impertinent child had a smart answer for everything>

Origin of IMPERTINENT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impertinent-, impertinens, from Latin in- + pertinent-, pertinens, present participle of pertinēre to pertain

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to IMPERTINENT

Synonyms

arch, audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassbound, brassy, brazen, brazen-faced, cheeky, cocksure, cocky, fresh, nervy, impudent, insolent, sassy, saucy, wise

Antonyms

meek, mousy (or mousey), retiring, shy, timid

Related Words

assertive, forward, obtrusive; audacious, defiant, disrespectful; shameless, unabashed, unblushing; bluff, blunt, curt; cute, facetious, flip, flippant, pert, smart, smart-aleck, smart-alecky; lippy, mouthy

Near Antonyms

demure, humble, modest; courteous, genteel, mannerly, polite, proper; deferential, respectful; abashed, ashamed, blushing, embarrassed, shamefaced; gentle, mild; inconspicuous, unobtrusive

Synonym Discussion of IMPERTINENT

impertinent, officious, meddlesome, intrusive, obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others. impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice <resented their impertinent interference>. officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying <officious friends made the job harder>. meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs <a meddlesome landlord>. intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs <tried to be helpful without being intrusive>. obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions <expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety>.