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IMPERTINENCE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Inappropriate playfulness
Synonyms:
archness; impertinence; perkiness; pertness; sauciness
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("impertinence" is a kind of...):
fun; playfulness (a disposition to find (or make) causes for amusement)
Derivation:
impertinent (characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality)
Sense 2
Meaning:
The trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
Synonyms:
cheekiness; crust; freshness; gall; impertinence; impudence; insolence
Classified under:
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects
Hypernyms ("impertinence" is a kind of...):
discourtesy; rudeness (a manner that is rude and insulting)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "impertinence"):
chutzpa; chutzpah; hutzpah ((Yiddish) unbelievable gall; insolence; audacity)
Derivation:
impertinent (improperly forward or bold)
Sense 3
Meaning:
An impudent statement
Synonyms:
cheek; impertinence; impudence
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("impertinence" is a kind of...):
discourtesy; disrespect (an expression of lack of respect)
Context examples:
Elinor began to find this impertinence too much for her temper; but she was saved the trouble of checking it, by Lucy's sharp reprimand, which now, as on many occasions, though it did not give much sweetness to the manners of one sister, was of advantage in governing those of the other.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
If you do not choose to understand me, forgive my impertinence.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
The impertinence of these kind of scrutinies, moreover, was generally concluded with a compliment, which though meant as its douceur, was considered by Marianne as the greatest impertinence of all; for after undergoing an examination into the value and make of her gown, the colour of her shoes, and the arrangement of her hair, she was almost sure of being told that upon her word she looked vastly smart, and she dared to say she would make a great many conquests.
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
And, if I may mention so delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady possesses.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her questions but answered them very composedly.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have borne without anger such treatment; but Sir William's good breeding carried him through it all; and though he begged leave to be positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
