impertinent
adjective
im·per·ti·nent (ˌ)im-ˈpər-tə-nənt 
-ˈpərt-nənt
1
a
: given to or characterized by insolent rudeness
an impertinent answer
b
: not restrained within due or proper bounds especially of propriety or good taste
impertinent curiosity
2
: not pertinent : irrelevant
impertinently adverb
Did you know?
English speakers adopted both impertinent and pertinent from Anglo-French in the 14th century. Both words derive from the present participle of the Latin verb pertinēre, meaning "to pertain." Initially, impertinent was used for things that are simply not relevant. Over time, it came to be used of things that are not only irrelevant but rudely or inappropriately so, and later for people who are just straight-out rude.
Synonyms
- arch
- audacious
- bold
- bold-faced
- brash
- brassbound
- brassy
- brazen
- brazen-faced
- cheeky
- cocksure
- cocky
- fresh
- impudent
- insolent
- nervy
- sassy
- saucy
- wise
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
She asked a few impertinent questions. the impertinent child had a smart answer for everything
Recent Examples on the Web At the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, Louis poked his tongue out in Kate's face and made an impertinent gesture with his hand, prompting the mother of three to give him a stern look. 
Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 10 July 2022 The founder’s family then made headlines with a brawl that involved an impertinent chauffeur, two stepchildren and a wrench. Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2022 Audiences seek controversy not just to open their minds, not just to annoy their betters, but because to hear impertinent, unapproved talk feels like freedom. WSJ, 1 Feb. 2022 But to make their case, the justices have stepped away from the bench and into the public square, defending the status quo against impertinent, often partisan critics. Joel Mathis, The Week, 1 Oct. 2021 The city’s Ethics Advisory Commission had decided that the statement from Adam Bazaldua violated a rule saying that officials should not make rude or impertinent comments. Kevin Krause, Dallas News, 10 Sep. 2021 There were gleeful pigs decorated with pink flowers and impertinent lions with diamond tails. Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2021 Father Byrne got up, exchanged words with the impertinent young man, and returned to his seat. Mike Kerrigan, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2021 The series cuts the tension and taboo with keen humor, often bordering on the impertinent, but Sam is never the butt of the joke. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2021 See More
Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 10 July 2022 The founder’s family then made headlines with a brawl that involved an impertinent chauffeur, two stepchildren and a wrench. Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2022 Audiences seek controversy not just to open their minds, not just to annoy their betters, but because to hear impertinent, unapproved talk feels like freedom. WSJ, 1 Feb. 2022 But to make their case, the justices have stepped away from the bench and into the public square, defending the status quo against impertinent, often partisan critics. Joel Mathis, The Week, 1 Oct. 2021 The city’s Ethics Advisory Commission had decided that the statement from Adam Bazaldua violated a rule saying that officials should not make rude or impertinent comments. Kevin Krause, Dallas News, 10 Sep. 2021 There were gleeful pigs decorated with pink flowers and impertinent lions with diamond tails. Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2021 Father Byrne got up, exchanged words with the impertinent young man, and returned to his seat. Mike Kerrigan, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2021 The series cuts the tension and taboo with keen humor, often bordering on the impertinent, but Sam is never the butt of the joke. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impertinent-, impertinens, from Latin in- + pertinent-, pertinens, present participle of pertinēre to pertain
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Kids Definition
impertinent
adjective
im·per·ti·nent im-ˈpər-tə-nənt
: very rude : having or showing a lack of respect
an impertinent question
impertinently
adverb
as in disdainfully
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- disdainfully
- saucily
- rashly
- recklessly
- disrespectfully
- discourteously
- impudently
- rudely
- fearlessly
- ungraciously
- impolitely
- superciliously
- imperiously
- loftily
- haughtily
- uncivilly
- scornfully
- contemptuously
- arrogantly
- boldly
- pompously
- brashly
- presumptuously
- brazenly
- audaciously
- huffily
- bitchily
- pretentiously
- proudly
- pridefully
- swaggeringly
- self-importantly
- uppishly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- humbly
- sheepishly
- deferentially
- meekly
- modestly
- abjectly
- meanly
- submissively
- lowly
- obsequiously
- subserviently
- servilely
- timidly
- fearfully
- hat in hand
- mousily