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noun

insolence

IHN-suh-luhns

Insolence (noun) means Rude, disrespectful, or arrogant behavior, especially toward someone owed respect. Example: “The teacher wouldn't tolerate any insolence from the students.”

noun
1
Rude, disrespectful, or arrogant behavior, especially toward someone owed respect.
"The teacher wouldn't tolerate any insolence from the students."
"His insolence toward the judge nearly got him held in contempt."

How to use insolence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBold, disrespectful rudeness, especially toward someone in authority.

Common pairings
sheer insolence insolence toward

Word forms

insolenced past tense, insolences plural, insolences singular

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The teacher wouldn't tolerate any _____ from the students.

Etymology

From Latin insolentia, related to insolens ("unaccustomed, arrogant").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for insolence

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Frequently asked questions

What does “insolence” mean?

The word “insolence” means rude, disrespectful, or arrogant behavior, especially toward someone owed respect. In plain terms, bold, disrespectful rudeness, especially toward someone in authority.

How do you pronounce “insolence”?

“Insolence” is pronounced IHN-suh-luhns (/ˈɪn.sə.ləns/ in IPA).

How do you use “insolence” in a sentence?

Here is “insolence” used in a sentence: “The teacher wouldn't tolerate any insolence from the students.”

What part of speech is “insolence”?

“Insolence” is a noun.

Where does the word “insolence” come from?

The word “insolence” comes from Latin. From Latin insolentia, related to insolens ("unaccustomed, arrogant").

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