Impudent
/ˈɪmpjədənt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Impudent means showing a lack of respect for others by acting boldly in a way that is rude or cheeky. It often describes behavior that is shocking because it breaks social rules or polite manners.
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See It in Action
Boldly disrespectful or cheeky behavior
- •The impudent student spoke back to the teacher without fear.
- •It's impudent to interrupt someone while they are talking.
- •She gave an impudent smile after breaking the rule.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "impudent" like "rude," but stronger and more bold—someone not just rude quietly but openly and without shame
- ✓Picture a child who talks back loudly to a teacher, not caring about getting in trouble
- ✓It's the feeling when someone interrupts you loudly without saying sorry or acting polite
- ✓Sounds like "IM-pu-dent" → imagine someone saying "I'm putting dents" in polite behavior by breaking the rules boldly
- ✓Think of characters in stories who act cheeky or disrespectful to adults, like a mischievous kid ignoring rules
- ✓NOT like "shy" (quiet and careful), impudent is loud and bold disrespect
- ✓NOT like "polite" (shows respect), impudent is the opposite, showing no respect
- ✓NOT like "rude" (can be quiet or accidental), impudent is more daring and open disrespect
Try Other Words
- •Cheeky: boldly rude but often in a playful way (Use when the disrespect is less serious and more playful)
- •Bold: showing confidence and courage (Use when focus is on courage, not disrespect)
- •Disrespectful: showing lack of respect (Use when you want a general word for bad manners)
- •Impertinent: similar to impudent, meaning rude and disrespectful (Use in formal or serious contexts)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "im-" (not, opposite of)
- •Root: "pudent" from Latin "pudens" meaning "shame" or "modesty"
- •Etymology: From Latin "impudens," meaning shameless or without modesty
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s to describe shameless or bold disrespect
- •Modern usage: Describes behavior or speech that is boldly disrespectful or cheeky, often to authority or rules
Reflect & Connect
•Can being impudent ever be good or helpful? When might bold disrespect be useful?
•How do different cultures view impudent behavior? Is it always negative everywhere?
Fill in the blanks
1.The impudent child ignored the teacher’s warning and ___ loudly in class.
2.When someone is impudent, they often ___ rules or social manners without care.
3.Unlike polite behavior, impudent actions show a ___ for others’ feelings.
4.Saying something impudent can make people feel ___ or offended.
5.The phrase "impudent young man" usually describes someone who ___ adults.
6.Impudent behavior is often ___ by authority figures like parents or teachers.
7.If someone is cheeky but not impudent, their rudeness is more ___ and less serious.