IMPERTINENT


Meaning of IMPERTINENT in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ (ˌ)im-ˈpər-tə-nənt, -ˈpərt-nənt ]

adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impertinent-, impertinens, from Latin in- + pertinent-, pertinens, present participle of pertinēre to pertain

Date: 14th century

1. : not pertinent : irrelevant

2.

a. : not restrained within due or proper bounds especially of propriety or good taste

impertinent curiosity

b. : given to or characterized by insolent rudeness

an impertinent answer

• im·per·ti·nent·ly adverb

Synonyms:

impertinent , officious , meddlesome , intrusive , obtrusive mean given to thrusting oneself into the affairs of others. impertinent implies exceeding the bounds of propriety in showing interest or curiosity or in offering advice

resented their impertinent interference

officious implies the offering of services or attentions that are unwelcome or annoying

officious friends made the job harder

meddlesome stresses an annoying and usually prying interference in others' affairs

a meddlesome landlord

intrusive implies a tactless or otherwise objectionable thrusting into others' affairs

tried to be helpful without being intrusive

obtrusive stresses improper or offensive conspicuousness of interfering actions

expressed an obtrusive concern for his safety

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.