insolence
UK: ˈɪnsələns | US: ˈɪnsələns
n. rude and disrespectful behavior
n. an offensive act or remark showing contempt
insolence = in<not> + sol<accustomed> + ence<noun suffix>
- in-: Prefix meaning "not" (from Latin in-).
- sol-: Root derived from Latin solere ("to be accustomed"), implying familiarity or habitual behavior.
- -ence: Noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality (from Latin -entia).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin insolentia ("unusualness, arrogance"), combining in- (negation) + solere ("to be accustomed"). Originally, it described behavior deviating from norms, later narrowing to "arrogant disregard for others." The morphemes reflect a shift from "unusual" to "offensively bold," mirroring societal views on defiance.
His insolence toward the teacher earned him detention.
The manager fired the employee for repeated insolence.
She tolerated no insolence from her subordinates.
His reply bordered on insolence, shocking the audience.
The king punished the courtier’s insolence with exile.