Impolite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impolite
[ɪmˈpəʊlaɪt ]
Definitions
behavior
Not having or showing good manners; rude.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- It's impolite to talk with your mouth full.
- She was very impolite to the waiter.
speech
Not polite; discourteous.
Synonyms
disrespectful, inconsiderate, rude.
Examples of usage
- His impolite remarks offended many people.
- She found his tone impolite.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Differences
- Different cultures have unique ideas about what is considered polite; for example, direct eye contact may be seen as respectful in some cultures but impolite in others.
- In some Asian cultures, being too direct can be viewed as impolite, while in Western cultures, directness is often valued.
Psychology
- Being impolite can often lead to feelings of anxiety and discomfort in social situations, both for the person being rude and their potential victims.
- Studies have shown that rudeness can spread within social groups, influencing overall group dynamics and performance.
Literature
- Many classic novels explore themes of politeness and rudeness, with characters often representing societal norms through their behaviors.
- Authors like Jane Austen highlight the importance of manners and societal expectations in their works, showing how being impolite can lead to social downfall.
Social Etiquette
- In modern society, small acts of politeness like saying 'please' and 'thank you' create positive interactions, while impoliteness can damage relationships.
- Social media has transformed the concept of politeness, as users can communicate quickly but sometimes forget to be civil.
Origin of 'impolite'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'impolite' comes from the Latin word 'impolitus,' which means unpolished or rude.
- Its earliest use traced back to the early 19th century shows how the concept of politeness was evolving in society.
The word 'impolite' originated in the late 18th century from the combination of the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the word 'polite'. It has been used to describe behavior or speech that lacks manners or courtesy ever since.
See also: impolitely, impoliteness, polite, politely, politeness.