Impertinent: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone behaves inappropriately bold or rude, especially in a situation that requires formality or respect.

• The impertinent student interrupted the teacher during the lecture.
• Her impertinent comments at the meeting were not well received.

Applied in serious situations where someone's behavior shows a lack of respect towards another person or authority.

• His disrespectful behavior towards the elderly is unacceptable.
• She found his comments about her work highly disrespectful.

Best for informal and playful situations where someone is slightly rude in a charming or amusing way.

• He's got a cheeky grin that makes it hard to stay mad at him.
• Her cheeky remark made everyone laugh.

Used for situations where someone is openly and defiantly rude, often towards someone in a position of authority.

• The insolent reply shocked the principal.
• Her insolent attitude got her into trouble with her boss.

Typically used in a playful or flirtatious manner, often implying a mix of boldness and charm. It can also have a slightly old-fashioned tone.

• She gave him a saucy wink as she walked by.
• His saucy comment made her blush.

When discussing someone's rude or disrespectful behavior, especially inappropriately bold actions or comments.

• The student's impertinent question irritated the teacher.
• Her reply was impertinent and out of line.

Used when something does not have any importance or connection to the matter at hand.

• The judge dismissed his statement as irrelevant to the case.
• Her comment was irrelevant to the topic we were discussing.

When indicating that something is not significant or important, often used to diminish the importance of a detail or fact.

• The typo in the report is inconsequential to the overall findings.
• His objections were inconsequential and did not affect the decision.

Used to describe things that have no connection or relationship with each other.

• The two incidents are completely unrelated.
• This discussion is unrelated to our main agenda.