impertinence

UK: ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns | US: ɪmˈpɜːrtənəns

Definition

  1. n. lack of respect; rudeness or insolence

  2. n. an impudent or irrelevant act or remark

Structure
im <not>pert <relevant>inence <noun suffix>im <not>pert <relevant>inence <noun suffix>
Etymology

impertinence = im<not> + pert<relevant> + inence<noun suffix>

  • im<not>: Prefix from Latin in- (not), often negating the root.
  • pert<relevant>: From Latin pertinere (to pertain, be relevant), via Old French pert (bold, forward).
  • inence<noun suffix>: Latinate suffix forming abstract nouns (similar to -ance).

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin impertinens ("not belonging"), combining in- (not) + pertinere (to pertain). Over time, pert evolved in Old French to imply boldness, shifting impertinence from "irrelevance" to "disrespectful boldness" in English by the 17th century. The suffix -inence solidifies its abstract noun form.

Examples

  1. His impertinence toward the teacher earned him detention.

  2. She tolerated no impertinence from her subordinates.

  3. The student’s impertinence shocked the principal.

  4. His reply bordered on impertinence, lacking any respect.

  5. Victorian society frowned upon any impertinence in children.