Definition

The quality of being rude or disrespectful, especially in a way that is not appropriate or relevant to the situation.

Example

His impertinency during the meeting upset many of his colleagues.

Conversation

Did you hear what she said to him at the party last night?

Yeah, that was quite an impertinency for sure!

I can't believe she thought it was okay to speak like that.

Right? It was so out of line; she needs to learn some respect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Impertinency is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "pertinere" (meaning to pertain or relate). The word describes a quality of not being relevant or appropriate in a given context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('im-') relating to something ('pertinere') — that's why impertinency means something that is not relevant or appropriate.

Visually Confused Words