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IMPERTINENT
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Improperly forward or bold
Example:
Don't get wise with me!
Synonyms:
fresh; impertinent; impudent; overbold; sassy; saucy; smart; wise
Classified under:
Similar:
forward (used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty)
Derivation:
impertinence (the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Not pertinent to the matter under consideration
Example:
mentioned several impertinent facts before finally coming to the point
Synonyms:
extraneous; immaterial; impertinent; orthogonal
Classified under:
Similar:
irrelevant (having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
Example:
a certain irreverent gaiety and ease of manner
Synonyms:
impertinent; irreverent; pert; saucy
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
spirited (displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness)
Derivation:
impertinence (inappropriate playfulness)
Context examples:
He has a very satirical eye, and if I do not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid of him.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
But, my dear Marianne, as it has already exposed you to some very impertinent remarks, do you not now begin to doubt the discretion of your own conduct?
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
Hang the Rambler! Come down and give me your word that this harum-scarum boy of mine hasn't done anything ungrateful or impertinent.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Dear me! How very impertinent!
(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
How the trampers might have behaved, had the young ladies been more courageous, must be doubtful; but such an invitation for attack could not be resisted; and Harriet was soon assailed by half a dozen children, headed by a stout woman and a great boy, all clamorous, and impertinent in look, though not absolutely in word.
(Emma, by Jane Austen)
Henry, said Miss Tilney, you are very impertinent.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it is very impertinent of him to write to you at all, and very hypocritical.
(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)
"No," returned Elinor, cautious of giving her real opinion of Edward's mother, and not very desirous of satisfying what seemed impertinent curiosity— "I know nothing of her."
(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)
"Good girl! You deserve to go, and I'm sure you will some day," said Aunt March, with an approving pat on the head, as Amy picked up her ball for her. squalled Polly, bending down from his perch on the back of her chair to peep into Jo's face, with such a comical air of impertinent inquiry that it was impossible to help laughing.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Everybody acquainted with Bath may remember the difficulties of crossing Cheap Street at this point; it is indeed a street of so impertinent a nature, so unfortunately connected with the great London and Oxford roads, and the principal inn of the city, that a day never passes in which parties of ladies, however important their business, whether in quest of pastry, millinery, or even (as in the present case) of young men, are not detained on one side or other by carriages, horsemen, or carts.
(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)
