insolence
gb/ˈɪnsələns/ us/ˈɪnsələns/
C1
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
entity
1
rude, openly disrespectful behavior
Very rude and disrespectful behavior or words, especially toward someone in power or someone you should respect.
Usage pattern:
insolence toward [someone]
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.
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.)
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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.)
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deference (Stresses humble, polite respect, especially toward someone of higher status, which contrasts with insolent behavior.)
Collocations
shocked by his insolence
|punished for her insolence
|his sheer insolence
|the height of insolence
|answer with insolence
Themes
social
|behavior
|emotions
|communication
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The student was sent to the principal’s office for his insolence toward the teacher.
- She could hardly believe the clerk’s insolence when he rolled his eyes at her questions.
- 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.
- The child showed insolence when he shouted at his mother.
- 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.
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.