— impertinently , adv. — impertinentness , n.
/im perr"tn euhnt/ , adj.
1. intrusive or presumptuous, as persons or their actions; insolently rude; uncivil: a brash, impertinent youth.
2. not pertinent or relevant; irrelevant: an impertinent detail.
3. Archaic. inappropriate, incongruous, or absurd.
4. Obs. (of persons) trivial, silly, or absurd.
[ 1350-1400; ME impertinent- (s. of impertinens ) not belonging. See IM- 2 , PERTINENT ]
Syn. 1. fresh, bold, insulting, officious, saucy, pert, brazen. IMPERTINENT, IMPUDENT, INSOLENT refer to bold, rude, and arrogant behavior. IMPERTINENT, from its primary meaning of not pertinent and hence inappropriate or out of place, has come to imply often an unseemly intrusion into what does not concern one, or a presumptuous rudeness toward one entitled to deference or respect: an impertinent interruption, question, manner toward a teacher. IMPUDENT suggests a bold and shameless impertinence: an impudent speech, young rascal. INSOLENT suggests insulting or arrogantly contemptuous behavior: unbearably insolent toward those in authority.
Ant. 1. polite.