impertinent
What does "impertinent" mean?
Impertinent describes behavior that is rude, disrespectful, or overly bold, especially when directed toward someone who deserves more deference, like a teacher, an employer, or an elder. The mental image is of someone "stepping out of line" or overstepping the boundaries of polite social hierarchy by asking intrusive questions or making cheeky comments. While it shares similarities with "rude" or "insolent," impertinent specifically implies a lack of proper respect for status or social protocol. It is a formal word often used in professional or academic settings to reprimand someone for being intrusive or presumptuous in their tone or actions.
"impertinent" in conversation
Office reprimand
That is an impertinent question, and I suggest you keep your focus on your own tasks.
That is an impertinent question, and I suggest you keep your focus on your own tasks.
I apologize, I didn't mean to overstep.
I apologize, I didn't mean to overstep.
Used to shut down an intrusive line of questioning.
Classroom setting
Why do you even assign this work if you don't grade it properly?
Why do you even assign this work if you don't grade it properly?
That is quite an impertinent remark, young man.
That is quite an impertinent remark, young man.
Used to address a student's lack of respect for authority.
"impertinent" in a sentence
The student asked an impertinent question about the teacher's salary.
The student asked an impertinent question about the teacher's salary.
It was impertinent of him to interrupt the CEO during the middle of the presentation.
It was impertinent of him to interrupt the CEO during the middle of the presentation.
She dismissed his impertinent suggestions with a cold, silent stare that made him regret speaking at all.
She dismissed his impertinent suggestions with a cold, silent stare that made him regret speaking at all.
