Impudent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impudent

[หˆษชmpjสŠdษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.

Synonyms

brazen, cheeky, disrespectful, impertinent, insolent.

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Word Description / Examples
impudent

Impudent is often used when someone shows a lack of respect in a bold and shameless manner, typically to an authority figure. It has a negative connotation.

  • The impudent student talked back to the teacher without any hesitation.
  • Her impudent behavior at the formal event shocked everyone.
impertinent

Impertinent is used to describe someone who is being rude or showing a lack of respect, especially towards someone considered their superior. It has a formal and negative tone.

  • The employee's impertinent question annoyed the manager.
  • She found his impertinent behavior unacceptable during the meeting.
insolent

Insolent describes a person who is boldly rude or disrespectful. It is often used in formal and serious contexts with a strong negative connotation.

  • Her insolent tone angered the professor.
  • He was fired for making insolent comments to the clients.
disrespectful

Disrespectful is a general term that denotes a lack of respect for someone or something. It can be used in various contexts, from serious to less formal situations.

  • The teenagerโ€™s disrespectful tone upset his parents.
  • It's disrespectful to talk during a presentation.
cheeky

Cheeky is often used in a more playful or humorous context to describe someone who is a little rude or irreverent but in an amusing or endearing way.

  • The cheeky child grinned as he hid the teacher's chalk.
  • She made a cheeky remark about the boss's new haircut.
brazen

Brazen is used when someone is very bold and shameless about something that is considered wrong or shocking. It usually has a negative undertone.

  • He had the brazen audacity to lie directly to the judge.
  • Her brazen disregard for the rules was astonishing.

Examples of usage

  • He received a warning for his impudent behavior during the meeting.
  • She was known for her impudent remarks towards her colleagues.
  • The impudent student was sent to the principal's office for his disrespectful attitude.
  • Impudent behavior is not tolerated in this company.
  • The impudent child was scolded by his parents for talking back.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous works often feature impudent characters who challenge authority, like Huckleberry Finn.
  • In Shakespearean plays, many comedic characters use impudence for humor, reflecting societal norms.
  • Classic literature uses impudence to reveal truths about personality and social expectations.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows, like 'The Office', often showcase impudent humor through characters who blatantly ignore social cues.
  • In music, rebellious themes frequently appear, where impudence embodies freedom of expression.
  • Many stand-up comedians rely on impudent jokes that push boundaries to provoke laughter.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals display impudent behavior often when feeling empowered or in groups.
  • Psychological traits like low self-control can lead to more impudent expressions, like rudeness or insolence.
  • Impudence can be seen as a form of social defiance, challenging norms and expectations.

Sociology

  • Impudent behavior can vary significantly across cultures, with some seeing it as a form of artistic expression.
  • In certain communities, being impudent can be a signaling of bravery or independence.
  • Social norms dictate when impudence is accepted, often seen in youth cultures rebelling against authority.

Origin of 'impudent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'impudens', meaning 'shameless' or 'without shame'.
  • It combines 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'pudere', which means 'to be ashamed'.
  • The term has been a part of the English language since the early 17th century.

The word 'impudent' originated from the Latin word 'impudens', which is a combination of 'in-' (not) and 'pudens' (modest, shamefaced). Over the years, the term has evolved to describe someone who is disrespectful or impertinent in their behavior.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,822, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.