rude

adjective \ˈrüd\

: not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite

: relating to sex or other body functions in a way that offends others

: happening suddenly in usually an unpleasant or shocking way

rud·errud·est

Full Definition of RUDE

a : being in a rough or unfinished state : crude

b : natural, raw <rude cotton>

c : primitive, undeveloped <peasants use rude wooden plows — Jack Raymond>

d : simple, elemental

: lacking refinement or delicacy:

a : ignorant, unlearned

b : inelegant, uncouth

c : offensive in manner or action : discourteous

d : uncivilized, savage

e : coarse, vulgar

: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced <rude workmanship>

: robust, sturdy <in rude health>

: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly <a rude awakening>

— rude·ly adverb

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Origin of RUDE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RUDE

Synonyms: artless, clumsy, crude, jerry-built, jerry-rigged, jury-rigged, rough, rough-and-ready, rough-and-tumble, rough-hewn, unrefined

Antonyms: refined

Synonym Discussion of RUDE

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy <rude behavior>. rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness <rough manners>. crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.