effrontery
UK: ɪˈfrʌntəri | US: ɪˈfrʌntəri
n. shameless boldness; audacious disrespect or rudeness.
effrontery = ef<out> + front<forehead> + ery<noun suffix>
- ef<out>: Variant of the Latin prefix "ex-" (out, away), softened in spelling.
- front<forehead>: From Latin "frons" (forehead, face), symbolizing outward appearance or boldness.
- ery<noun suffix>: Denotes a quality or state (e.g., bravery, trickery).
Etymology Origin:
Effrontery traces back to the Latin effrons ("shameless"), combining ex- (out) + frons (forehead). The imagery suggests "putting one’s face forward" defiantly, evolving into modern English as a term for brazen audacity. The suffix "-ery" formalizes the abstract noun, emphasizing the trait’s shameless nature.
His effrontery in demanding a promotion after missing deadlines stunned his boss.
The politician’s effrontery knew no bounds—he lied outright to the public.
She had the effrontery to criticize others while making the same mistakes herself.
Such effrontery is rare even among seasoned negotiators.
The student’s effrontery in arguing with the professor earned him a reprimand.