Insolently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insolently

[ษชnหˆsษ™สŠlษ™ntli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

behavior

In a rude or disrespectful manner.

Synonyms

disrespectfully, impudently, rudely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insolently

Use this word when describing behavior that is boldly disrespectful, often in a way that shows a lack of respect for authority.

  • He looked at the teacher and insolently refused to sit down.
  • She spoke insolently to her boss, disregarding any sense of respect.
rudely

This word is best used for describing behavior that is generally impolite, coarse, or lacks manners.

  • He rudely interrupted her mid-sentence.
  • The waiter rudely dismissed their complaints.
disrespectfully

This word is appropriate for describing actions or speech that shows a lack of respect, general impoliteness.

  • The student spoke disrespectfully to the principal.
  • He answered his parents' questions very disrespectfully.
impudently

Use this word when referring to behavior that is marked by shameless boldness and a lack of respect, often showing a disdain for norms.

  • The child impudently interrupted the conversation.
  • She impudently ignored the rules of the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke insolently to his teacher.
  • She looked at him insolently before walking away.
Context #2 | Adverb

attitude

In a boldly or shamelessly unconventional way.

Synonyms

boldly, defiantly, shamelessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insolently

Used when someone is being disrespectful or rude in their behavior or speech, often towards someone in authority.

  • He spoke insolently to the teacher, completely ignoring her instructions.
  • The child responded insolently to his parents, showing no regard for their authority.
boldly

Used when someone is showing courage or confidence, particularly in challenging or risky situations.

  • She boldly walked up to the stage to deliver her speech.
  • The soldier acted boldly in the face of danger.
shamelessly

Used when someone acts without any sense of shame or embarrassment, often in a way that is considered inappropriate or offensive.

  • She shamelessly lied to get what she wanted.
  • He shamelessly took credit for someone else's work.
defiantly

Used when someone is showing open resistance or disobedience, often with a sense of challenge towards authority.

  • He stood defiantly, refusing to move despite the police orders.
  • The protestors shouted defiantly, unwilling to disperse.

Examples of usage

  • He insolently flaunted his wealth in front of his less fortunate friends.
  • She insolently ignored the rules and did as she pleased.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Classic literature often portrays insolent characters as bold antagonists, challenging the norms of society.
  • Shakespeare used similar terms to describe characters who defied authority, emphasizing a moral lesson about respect.

Psychology

  • Acts of insolence can be related to power dynamics, where individuals test boundaries to assert dominance over others.
  • Research suggests that individuals display insolent behavior during times of stress, often as a cry for help or acknowledgment.

Pop Culture

  • Insolent characters often appear in movies and TV, from rebellious teenagers to confident villains, making for engaging drama.
  • The term frequently appears in dialogues of characters who challenge authority, reflecting a broader theme of individualism in contemporary media.

Origin of 'insolently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insolentem', meaning 'unaccustomed' or 'insolent', which led to its modern meaning related to disrespect.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, indicating how an action is performed, hence 'insolently' describes the manner of action.

The word 'insolently' originated from the Latin word 'insolentem', meaning 'arrogant, overbearing, immoderate'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in the English language to describe behavior or attitude that is disrespectful or boldly unconventional.


See also: insolence.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,660 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.