impolite
gb/ɪmpəlˈaɪt/ us/ɪmpəlˈaɪt/
B1
English
udvariatlan, illetlen
B1
1
udvariatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is impolite (to [someone]); it is impolite to [do something]
It’s impolite to interrupt someone when they’re speaking.
Udvariatlan dolog félbeszakítani valakit, miközben beszél.
She apologized for being impolite to the waiter.
Elnézést kért, amiért udvariatlanul viselkedett a felszolgálóval.
I didn’t mean to be impolite, but I had to leave early.
Learner examples
It is impolite to talk with your mouth full.
Udvariatlanság tele szájjal beszélni.
Please don’t be impolite to your teacher.
Kérlek, ne légy udvariatlan a tanároddal.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *unpolite*; the common word is impolite (or rude).
Meaning
not polite; rude
Collocations
impolite behavior
|impolite remarks
|impolite language
|impolite tone
|impolite gesture
|impolite response
|impolite to ask
|impolite to interrupt
|impolite to stare
|impolite to ignore someone
Synonyms
rude (More direct and often stronger than impolite.)
|
discourteous (More formal; emphasizes lack of courtesy.)
|
unmannerly (More old-fashioned; emphasizes bad manners.)
Antonyms
polite (Showing good manners and respect.)
|
courteous (Especially considerate and respectful in manners.)
|
respectful (Emphasizes showing respect, not just good manners.)
Themes
communication
|social_norms
|daily_life
Definition
If someone is impolite, they are not polite and they do not show good manners.
Not showing good manners or respect; rude or discourteous.
B2
2
illetlen
B2
Usage pattern:
impolite [joke/story/word/meaning]
He told a couple of impolite jokes at the party.
Elmondott néhány illetlen viccet a partin.
The song includes some impolite language.
A dalban van néhány illetlen kifejezés.
I won’t repeat the impolite word he used.
Learner examples
That movie has a few impolite words.
Abban a filmben elhangzik néhány illetlen szó.
Common mistake:
This meaning is usually about words/jokes/topics, not about everyday manners (e.g., 'impolite joke' vs 'impolite customer').
Meaning
slightly obscene or crude
Collocations
impolite joke
|impolite jokes
|impolite story
|impolite word
|impolite language
|impolite humor
|an impolite meaning
Synonyms
crude (Often stronger; suggests rough, offensive directness.)
|
risqué (Suggests mildly sexual content; often playful.)
|
obscene (Stronger; clearly offensive or explicit.)
Antonyms
clean (Family-friendly; not sexual or offensive.)
|
decent (Acceptable and not offensive in polite society.)
Themes
humor
|communication
|social_norms
Definition
Impolite can also mean a bit rude or sexual, especially about jokes or words.
Used as a mild or humorous way to refer to language, jokes, or topics that are slightly obscene, sexual, or socially inappropriate.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impolite
IPA
GB/ɪmpəlˈaɪt/
US/ɪmpəlˈaɪt/
Syllables & stress
im - pol - ite (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ite)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impolite
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
impolitely
adverb B2
impoliteness
noun
Expressions
it’s impolite to ...
1/ˈɪts ɪmpəlˈaɪt tə |/
fixed phrase
say a behavior breaks manners
You use this to say an action is rude.
Examples
- It’s impolite to check your phone during a meeting.
- It’s impolite to ask someone’s age in some cultures.
- It’s impolite to cut in line.
Learner examples
- It’s impolite to shout in class.
not to be impolite, but ...
1/nˈɑt tə bˈi ɪmpəlˈaɪt | bˈʌt |/
fixed phrase
soften criticism or disagreement
You say this before something that might sound rude.
Examples
- Not to be impolite, but you’re blocking the screen.
- Not to be impolite, but I think you’ve made a mistake.
- Not to be impolite, but could you lower your voice?
Learner examples
- Not to be impolite, but I need to go now.
would it be impolite to ...?
1/wˈʊd ˈɪt bˈi ɪmpəlˈaɪt tə ‖/
fixed phrase
ask if action is rude
You use this to ask politely if something is rude.
Examples
- Would it be impolite to take this seat?
- Would it be impolite to ask how much you earn?
- Would it be impolite to leave a little early?
Learner examples
- Would it be impolite to open the window?