impudent
gb/ɪmpjˈudənt/ us/ɪmpjˈudənt/
C1
English
~ 8800
szemtelen, pimasz
C1
FORMAL
1
szemtelen
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is impudent; an impudent [remark / question / child]
The student’s impudent reply shocked the teacher and the rest of the class.
A diák szemtelen válasza megdöbbentette a tanárt és az osztály többi tagját.
He was fired for his impudent attitude toward his supervisors during the meeting.
A megbeszélésen a feletteseivel szemben tanúsított szemtelen viselkedése miatt kirúgták.
She dismissed the reporter’s impudent questions and ended the interview.
Children in this school are taught not to be impudent to their elders.
The judge warned the lawyer that any further impudent remarks would not be tolerated.
Learner examples
The boy was punished for his impudent words to his father.
A fiút megbüntették, mert szemtelenül beszélt az apjával.
Her impudent question made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
A szemtelen kérdése zavarba hozott mindenkit a szobában.
He gave an impudent answer to his boss and later felt sorry.
The teacher will not accept impudent behavior in class.
Please do not be impudent when you speak to your grandparents.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "impudent" with "imprudent." "Impudent" means rude and not respectful, while "imprudent" means not wise or not careful about possible problems. Learners may also think "impudent" is casual like "cheeky," but it is more formal and usually more strongly negative.
Meaning
rude and not showing respect
Collocations
an impudent child
|an impudent remark
|an impudent question
|an impudent response
|impudent behavior
|shockingly impudent
Synonyms
insolent (Very close in meaning, but can sound even more openly hostile or contemptuous than "impudent.")
|
impertinent (Stresses disrespect by saying or asking something that is not appropriate to the situation.)
|
cheeky (More informal and often lighter or humorous; "impudent" is more formal and usually more strongly disapproving.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows proper regard and politeness, which is the opposite of the rude boldness in "impudent.")
|
deferential (Emphasizes polite submission and respect toward others, especially authority, unlike the defiant tone of "impudent.")
Themes
social_behavior
|communication
|character
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Behaving in a very rude and bold way, without showing respect for other people or for normal rules.
Showing a bold and offensive lack of respect toward someone or toward accepted rules of behavior.
C1
FORMAL
2
pimasz
B2
Usage pattern:
an impudent [smile / grin / question / joke]
She gave him an impudent grin, as if daring him to say no.
Pimasz vigyort vágott rá, mintha csak kihívná, hogy mondjon nemet.
The article opened with an impudent question that poked fun at the mayor.
A cikk egy pimasz kérdéssel indult, amely kifigurázta a polgármestert.
He shot the camera an impudent smile before walking away.
Her impudent little joke cut through the tension in the room.
The child’s impudent curiosity made the guests laugh rather than feel offended.
Learner examples
The boy gave his mother an impudent smile when she told him to go to bed.
A fiú pimasz mosollyal nézett az anyjára, amikor az azt mondta neki, hogy menjen lefeküdni.
She asked an impudent question that made her friends laugh.
Olyan pimasz kérdést tett fel, hogy a barátai nevetni kezdtek.
He looked at the teacher with an impudent grin but then sat down.
The comedian’s impudent jokes were rude but also funny.
Her impudent tone sounded rude, but she was only playing.
Common mistake:
Learners may think this lighter, playful use is the main meaning and use "impudent" where native speakers would prefer informal words like "cheeky" or "sassy." In everyday speech, "impudent" often sounds too formal or strong for friendly teasing.
Meaning
cheekily or playfully bold
Collocations
an impudent grin
|an impudent smile
|an impudent little question
|a slightly impudent tone
|charmingly impudent
Synonyms
cheeky (Very close in this lighter sense, but "cheeky" is informal; "impudent" sounds more formal or literary.)
|
saucy (Suggests playful rudeness; can sound old-fashioned or humorous compared to the more neutral tone of "impudent.")
Antonyms
meek (Describes someone who is quiet and does not challenge others, the opposite of the boldness in this sense of "impudent.")
|
demure (Suggests modest, shy, or very proper behavior, which contrasts with the teasing boldness of an "impudent" look or remark.)
Themes
social_behavior
|communication
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Rude in a small, playful way that may surprise people but is not meant to be truly hurtful or very serious.
Bold and disrespectful in a way that is cheeky or playful rather than seriously offensive, often used to describe looks, questions, or actions that lightly challenge social rules.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impudent
IPA
GB/ɪmpjˈudənt/
US/ɪmpjˈudənt/
Syllables & stress
im - pudent (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pudent)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impudent
Word family
Core family
impudence
noun C1
impudently
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.