impertinence

IPA/ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns/
IPA/ɪmˈpɜːrtnəns/

impertinence — 名詞

  • impertinencesingular
  • impertinencesplural

1. Rude or disrespectful language or behaviour that ignores the proper respect owed

1.名詞C1
釋義

無禮；魯莽

對長輩或上級不敬的言行

Rude or disrespectful language or behaviour that ignores the proper respect owed to someone older, more senior, or in a position of authority.

例句

Lakshmi's grandmother scolded her for the impertinence of talking back during dinner.

Lakshmi 的祖母因她在晚餐時頂嘴而責備她的無禮行為。

collocation: impertinence of + [action]

Nkechi was shocked by the young man's impertinence when he interrupted the mayor's speech.

Nkechi 對那名年輕男子打斷市長演說的魯莽行徑感到震驚。

同義詞
  • rudeness

    Broader and more common in everyday speech; can describe any unkind or inconsiderate behaviour, not necessarily towards authority

  • insolence

    Stronger and more confrontational; implies open, defiant disrespect

  • disrespect

    More general; can describe a lack of respect for people, rules, or traditions

  • cheek

    British English, informal; milder and often used playfully, especially for children

反義詞
  • respect

    The direct opposite; polite consideration for others

  • courtesy

    Polite behaviour that shows good manners and consideration

文法句型

noun as subject

noun as object of preposition (e.g. at, for, towards)

countable: an impertinence

用法筆記

Frequently used in contexts involving authority figures such as parents, teachers, or bosses. The countable form 'an impertinence' is much rarer and refers to a specific rude remark or action rather than a general attitude.

常見錯誤

❌The boy showed impertinence to the new rules.
✅The boy showed impertinence towards his teacher.
💡impertinence describes behaviour towards a person, not towards rules or objects.
❌She was fired for her impertinent at work.
✅She was fired for her impertinence at work.
💡impertinence is the noun; impertinent is the adjective and needs a noun after it.