Insolent
adjective
Showing a rude and disrespectful lack of respect.
He responded to the teacher's question with an insolent reply.
Often appears as...
- insolent behavior
- insolent reply
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A disrespectful or rude person.
He is an insolent, not worthy of your time.
Often appears as...
- an insolent fool
- an insolent disgrace
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Academic
adjective
Showing a rude and disrespectful lack of respect.
He responded to the teacher's question with an insolent reply.
Often appears as...
- insolent behavior
- insolent reply
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A disrespectful or rude person.
He is an insolent, not worthy of your time.
Often appears as...
- an insolent fool
- an insolent disgrace
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion
Insolent often conveys strong disdain or contempt for authority or norms.
His insolent tone made it clear he didn't care about the rules.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Variance
What's considered insolent can vary by culture; study local manners to understand limits.
While slouching is casual in one country, it might be seen as insolent in another.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Verbal Cues
Insolence can be shown through body language, not just words.
Rolling her eyes at the request, she exhibited insolent behavior without a word.
Compare with
audaciousbrazencheekydiscourteousdisrespectfulimpudentpertinentrudesaucy
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Video examples
An optimistic look at...
inequality and discrimination in other ways as well so there's a lot for us to fix and I'm very positive that this generation will be more responsible and they will make a better world for everyone tomorrow I'm mala thank you so much for being with us thank you for that address thank you it means insolent
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 242 PIPE...
is starting to scent mark vigorously the question is how long wilt in Ghana tolerates this insolent behavior as always a member of the ever-present Juma can paid the little chief a visit in hope that husana might have a free snack
Video examples
An optimistic look at...
inequality and discrimination in other ways as well so there's a lot for us to fix and I'm very positive that this generation will be more responsible and they will make a better world for everyone tomorrow I'm mala thank you so much for being with us thank you for that address thank you it means insolent
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 242 PIPE...
is starting to scent mark vigorously the question is how long wilt in Ghana tolerates this insolent behavior as always a member of the ever-present Juma can paid the little chief a visit in hope that husana might have a free snack
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Jeffrey Kluger
American Writer
You do not want to talk to me on the phone. How do I know? Because I don't want to talk to you on the phone. Nothing personal, I just can't stand the thing. I find it intrusive and somehow presumptuous. It sounds off insolently whenever it chooses and expects me to drop whatever I'm doing and, well, engage. With others!
Quote examples
Annie Besant
English Philosopher
This Old Testament - containing error, folly, absurdity and immorality - is by English statute law declared to be of divine authority, a blasphemy - if there were anyone to be blasphemed - blacker and more insolent than any word ever written or penned by the most hotheaded Freethinker.
Quote examples
Gerhard Richter
German Artist
Politicians are nauseating by definition... They can produce nothing, neither a loaf of bread nor a table nor a picture; and this inability to create value, this total inferiority, makes them jealous, vengeful, insolent and a menace to life and limb.
Quote examples
Peter Morgan
British Writer
Authorised royal biographers are so straitjacketed, deferential, fawning, and unadventurous that they can only be after a knighthood. Or they're completely scurrilous and insolent, like Andrew Morton or Paul Burrell.
Quote examples
Jose Saramago
Portuguese Writer
The attitude of insolent haughtiness is characteristic of the relationships Americans form with what is alien to them, with others.
Quote examples
Junius
Author
It is the coward who fawns upon those above him. It is the coward who is insolent whenever he dares be so.
Quote examples
Robert Walpole
British Statesman
It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.
Quote examples
Brigitte Bardot
French Actress
I am shocking, impertinent and insolent that's how it is.
Quote examples
Friedrich Nietzsche
German Philosopher
Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.
Quote examples
Homer
Greek Poet
Hunger is insolent, and will be fed.
Quote examples
Jeffrey Kluger
American Writer
You do not want to talk to me on the phone. How do I know? Because I don't want to talk to you on the phone. Nothing personal, I just can't stand the thing. I find it intrusive and somehow presumptuous. It sounds off insolently whenever it chooses and expects me to drop whatever I'm doing and, well, engage. With others!
Quote examples
Annie Besant
English Philosopher
This Old Testament - containing error, folly, absurdity and immorality - is by English statute law declared to be of divine authority, a blasphemy - if there were anyone to be blasphemed - blacker and more insolent than any word ever written or penned by the most hotheaded Freethinker.
Quote examples
Gerhard Richter
German Artist
Politicians are nauseating by definition... They can produce nothing, neither a loaf of bread nor a table nor a picture; and this inability to create value, this total inferiority, makes them jealous, vengeful, insolent and a menace to life and limb.
Quote examples
Peter Morgan
British Writer
Authorised royal biographers are so straitjacketed, deferential, fawning, and unadventurous that they can only be after a knighthood. Or they're completely scurrilous and insolent, like Andrew Morton or Paul Burrell.
Quote examples
Jose Saramago
Portuguese Writer
The attitude of insolent haughtiness is characteristic of the relationships Americans form with what is alien to them, with others.
Quote examples
Junius
Author
It is the coward who fawns upon those above him. It is the coward who is insolent whenever he dares be so.
Quote examples
Robert Walpole
British Statesman
It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.
Quote examples
Brigitte Bardot
French Actress
I am shocking, impertinent and insolent that's how it is.
Quote examples
Friedrich Nietzsche
German Philosopher
Some are made modest by great praise, others insolent.
Quote examples
Homer
Greek Poet
Hunger is insolent, and will be fed.
Example 1 of 10
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