impertinent
UK: ɪmˈpɜːtɪnənt | US: ɪmˈpɜːrtnənt
adj. not showing proper respect; rude or insolent
adj. irrelevant or inappropriate to the matter at hand
impertinent = im<not> + pertin<belong> + ent<adjective suffix>
- im<not>: Latin prefix "in-" (negation), altered to "im-" before "p."
- pertin<belong>: From Latin "pertinēre" (to pertain, belong), combining "per-" (thoroughly) + "tenēre" (to hold).
- ent<adjective suffix>: Latin "-entem," forming adjectives indicating state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin "impertinens," meaning "not belonging" or "irrelevant." Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe behavior "not pertaining" to social norms, hence its modern sense of rudeness. The shift from "irrelevant" to "insolent" reflects societal emphasis on propriety—what is deemed "out of place" often breaches respect.
The student’s impertinent remarks earned him a detention.
She dismissed his comment as impertinent to the discussion.
His impertinent curiosity about private matters annoyed the guests.
The judge warned the lawyer against impertinent questions.
Such impertinent behavior is unacceptable in formal settings.