insolence
gb/ˈɪnsələns/ us/ˈɪnsələns/
C1
English
~ 7200
szemtelenség
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
szemtelenség
B1
Usage pattern:
insolence toward [someone]
The student was sent to the principal’s office for his insolence toward the teacher.
A diákot az igazgatói irodába küldték a tanárral szembeni szemtelensége miatt.
She could hardly believe the clerk’s insolence when he rolled his eyes at her questions.
Alig akarta elhinni az ügyintéző szemtelenségét, amikor az forgatta a szemét a kérdéseire.
The officer warned the recruit that further insolence would not be tolerated.
He answered the judge with such insolence that the courtroom fell silent.
They viewed any criticism as insolence and reacted with anger.
Learner examples
The boss became angry at his worker’s insolence.
A főnök dühös lett a dolgozója szemtelensége miatt.
The child showed insolence when he shouted at his mother.
A gyerek szemtelenséget mutatott, amikor az anyjával kiabált.
The teacher will not accept any insolence in the classroom.
He was fired because of his insolence toward customers.
Her insolence made everyone in the meeting uncomfortable.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "insolence" (noun) with "insolent" (adjective). Use "insolence" for the behavior (e.g., "his insolence"), and "insolent" to describe a person or remark (e.g., "an insolent student"). Another mistake is using it for positive boldness; unlike "confidence" or "outspokenness," "insolence" is always negative and rude.
Meaning
rude, openly disrespectful behavior
Collocations
shocked by his insolence
|punished for her insolence
|his sheer insolence
|the height of insolence
|answer with insolence
Synonyms
impudence (Very close in meaning; slightly more common and can also suggest bold lack of shame.)
|
impertinence (Similar, but often used for disrespectful comments that ignore proper social distance.)
|
insubordination (Focuses more on refusing to obey authority, especially in work or military contexts, while insolence stresses rudeness.)
Antonyms
respect (General opposite, showing polite consideration instead of rudeness.)
|
deference (Stresses humble, polite respect, especially toward someone of higher status, which contrasts with insolent behavior.)
Themes
social
|behavior
|emotions
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very rude and disrespectful behavior or words, especially toward someone in power or someone you should respect.
Rude and openly disrespectful behavior, speech, or attitude, especially toward someone in a position of authority.
Grammar
Dictionary form
insolence
IPA
GB/ˈɪnsələns/
US/ˈɪnsələns/
Syllables & stress
in - solence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (in)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: insolence
- Plural: insolence
Word family
Core family
insolent
adjective C1
insolently
adverb
Expressions
the height of insolence
1/ðə hˈaɪt əv ˈɪnsələns/
fixed phrase
formal
the greatest possible insolence
extreme insolence; very strong and shocking rudeness.
Examples
- Talking to your boss like that is the height of insolence.
- Interrupting the judge was the height of insolence and shocked everyone in the court.