adj
impertinent
ihm-PUR-tih-nuhnt
Impertinent (adj) means Rude or disrespectful, especially in a way that oversteps one's place. Example: “It was impertinent of him to interrupt the CEO.”
adj
1
Rude or disrespectful, especially in a way that oversteps one's place.
"It was impertinent of him to interrupt the CEO."
"She gave an impertinent reply to the interviewer's question."
2
(formal) Not relevant to the matter at hand.
"The judge ruled the comment impertinent to the case."
How to use impertinent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheeky and disrespectful, or, more formally, beside the point.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "impatient" — impertinent is about rudeness, not a lack of patience.
Common pairings
impertinent question
impertinent remark
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Word forms
- Plural
- impertinents
- Comparative
- more impertinent
- Superlative
- most impertinent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ of him to interrupt the CEO.
Etymology
From Latin impertinens, ultimately im- ("not") + pertinent.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for impertinent
See all rhymes for impertinent →Frequently asked questions
What does “impertinent” mean?
The word “impertinent” means rude or disrespectful, especially in a way that oversteps one's place. In plain terms, cheeky and disrespectful, or, more formally, beside the point.
How do you pronounce “impertinent”?
“Impertinent” is pronounced ihm-PUR-tih-nuhnt (/ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “impertinent” in a sentence?
Here is “impertinent” used in a sentence: “It was impertinent of him to interrupt the CEO.”
What part of speech is “impertinent”?
“Impertinent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “impertinent” come from?
The word “impertinent” comes from Latin. From Latin impertinens, ultimately im- ("not") + pertinent.
How many meanings does “impertinent” have?
“Impertinent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rude or disrespectful, especially in a way that oversteps one's place.
