impertinence

[im-pur-tn-uhns]

noun

1. unmannerly intrusion or presumption; insolence.

2. impertinent quality or action.

3. something impertinent, as an act or statement.

4. an impertinent person.

5. irrelevance, inappropriateness, or absurdity.

impertinence

/ ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns /

noun

1. disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence

2. an impertinent act, gesture, etc

3. rare,  lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness

Word History and Origins

Origin of impertinence¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; impertin(ency) + -ence

Example Sentences

Coach Matt Peet is normally poker-faced but laughed uproariously in the stand at the sheer impertinence and invention.

From BBC

Admirers called them lively topicality and refreshing impertinence.

From New York Times

At some moments, this prequel series matches the goofy impertinence that made 1978’s “Grease” feature so lovable.

From Los Angeles Times

His impertinence, though, shows the strain that the war - a word he uses in defiance of a Kremlin ban - has had on Putin's 23-year-old political system.

From Reuters

Toney's first goal in his side's win over Brighton was nothing short of impertinence.

From BBC