English

impolitely

gb/ɪmpəlɪtli/ us/ɪmpəlɪtli/
B2 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb B2 property
1

in a rude or discourteous way

In a rude way; not politely.

Usage pattern: [someone] speaks/acts/responds [impolitely] (to [someone])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes misspell it as *inpolitely* or use *unpolitely* (less common) when *impolitely* is expected.
Synonyms
rudely (More direct and common; can sound stronger.) | discourteously (More formal; emphasizes lack of courtesy.) | ungraciously (Suggests a lack of kindness or generosity in manner.)
Antonyms
politely (Shows good manners and respect.) | courteously (Emphasizes respectful, considerate behavior.)
Collocations
speak impolitely |reply impolitely |answer impolitely |behave impolitely |act impolitely |treat someone impolitely |interrupt impolitely |refuse impolitely |dismiss someone impolitely |impolitely worded
Themes
communication |social_behavior |manners
Examples
  • He impolitely cut her off mid-sentence.
  • The customer spoke impolitely to the cashier and was asked to leave.
  • She impolitely refused to move her bag from the seat.
Learner examples
  • Please don’t speak impolitely to your teacher.
  • He answered impolitely and then apologized.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impolitely
IPA
GB/ɪmpəlɪtli/
US/ɪmpəlɪtli/
Syllables & stress
im - pol - itely (3 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: impolitely
  • Plural: impolitelies
Word family
Forms
impolitelies noun
Core family
polite adjective A2 politely adverb B1 politeness noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
impolite adjective B1 impoliteness noun
Expressions

to put it impolitely

1
/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt ɪmpəlɪtli/
fixed phrase

say something in a rude way

Used before a rude or very direct statement.

Examples
  • To put it impolitely, his plan was a complete mess.
  • To put it impolitely, they don’t know what they’re doing.
  • To put it impolitely, she was being selfish.

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