Rudely: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when describing someone's behavior that is offensively impolite or lacking in manners.

• He rudely interrupted the conversation
• She rudely refused to answer the question

Used to describe actions or words that are not polite or show poor manners, but not as harsh as being outright rude.

• He impolitely cut in line
• She impolitely ignored the greeting

Appropriate in more formal situations to describe behavior that is lacking in courtesy, respect, or consideration for others.

• The guest was treated discourteously by the staff
• He replied discourteously to the invitation

Used to describe someone speaking or acting in a short, terse, and somewhat unfriendly manner. It can sometimes feel abrupt but not necessarily intended to offend.

• The manager brusquely told the employees to get back to work
• She was brusquely directed to the other counter

Used when someone is being arrogantly disrespectful and showing a lack of respect clearly and boldly. This often carries a stronger negative connotation.

• The student answered the teacher insolently
• He looked at his boss insolently when asked to stay late