Impudence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
ðŸ˜
impudence
[ˈɪmpjʊdəns ]
Definition
showing disrespect
Impudence is the quality of being impudent, or disrespectful and bold in speech or behavior. It is often characterized by a lack of shame or embarrassment.
Synonyms
audacity, boldness, cheek, insolence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impudence |
This word is best used when describing behavior that shows a blatant lack of respect or rudeness, especially toward someone in a position of authority. It often carries a negative connotation.
|
| audacity |
This term is often employed when referring to daring or bold actions that may be shocking or unexpected, but not necessarily disrespectful. It can have either positive or negative connotations depending on the context.
|
| cheek |
This term is often used in British English to describe behavior that is disrespectful or impudent but in a less severe and sometimes humorous manner. It can be negative but often in a light-hearted way.
|
| boldness |
Use this word to describe someone who is courageous and willing to take risks. It generally has a positive connotation, especially when talking about confidence and bravery.
|
| insolence |
This word describes rude and disrespectful behavior in a very direct and offensive way. It typically has a strongly negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He had the impudence to ignore her completely during the meeting.
- Her impudence towards the teacher resulted in a detention.
- The politician's impudence in the face of criticism was astounding.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Impudence can reflect a personality trait where one may not recognize social boundaries or norms.
- Studies suggest that impulsive individuals may display higher levels of impudence due to a lack of self-control.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters exhibiting impudence often serve as comic relief, poking fun at societal conventions.
- Shakespeare frequently included impudent characters who challenged authority, showcasing their rebellion against social norms.
Social Context
- In different cultures, what is considered impudent can vary significantly. For example, some cultures may view assertiveness as impudence.
- Often, teenagers are labeled as impudent during their rebellious phases, as they test boundaries set by their parents or authority figures.
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, impudent characters often deliver memorable one-liners that challenge authority and societal rules.
- The trend of 'mean girls' in teen films showcases impudence through social manipulation and defiance against social rules.
Origin of 'impudence'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'impudentia', where 'im-' implies 'not' and 'pudentia' means 'shame or modesty.'
- Historically, it was used to describe those who acted without shame, especially in front of their superiors.
The word 'impudence' originated from the Latin word 'impudentia', which means shamelessness or lack of modesty. Over time, the term evolved to describe behavior that is disrespectful or bold. The concept of impudence has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with challenging authority or social norms.
See also: impudently.