First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
impudent
adjective im·pu·dent \ˈim-pyə-dənt\
: failing to show proper respect and courtesy : very rude
Full Definition of IMPUDENT
1
obsolete : lacking modesty
2
: marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of others : insolent
— im·pu·dent·ly adverb
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Examples of IMPUDENT
- As in the sixties, being young then was in itself an empowerment; writing under Harding and Coolidge was impudent fun. —John Updike, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 1988
- Or it was he who was bruiting it about, with his princely dark head thrown back in impudent laughter, that he was going to be king. —Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
- When I refused to be the child they knew and accepted me to be, I was called impudent and my muteness sullenness. —Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
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Origin of IMPUDENT
Middle English, from Latin impudent-, impudens, from in- + pudent-, pudens, present participle of pudēre to feel shame
IMPUDENTLY Defined for Kids
impudent
adjective im·pu·dent \ˈim-pyə-dənt\
Definition of IMPUDENT for Kids
: bold and disrespectful : very rude <an impudent remark> <an impudent child>
— im·pu·dent·ly adverb
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