impudent

Impudent is an adjective that describes behavior or speech that is brazenly disrespectful or lacking in modesty. It denotes impertinence, insolence, or shameless audacity, often directed toward authority, elders, or social norms. The term can describe a remark, a person, or other conduct that disregards propriety. A typical usage is to describe an impudent remark or an impudent child, with impudence as the related noun and impudently as the adverb.

Etymology and history: Impudent derives from Latin impudens, meaning shameless. The form entered English through Old French imprudent or directly in Middle English, with the sense centered on a departure from modesty or propriety. Despite its resemblance to the word prudent, impudent is not simply the negation of prudent in modern sense; it connotes shamelessness and disrespect.

Usage notes: Impudent carries a fairly strong negative connotation and can sound formal or literary. It is often used in judgments about behavior rather than neutral description. A milder, more neutral alternative is impertinent, while impertinent emphasizes inappropriateness or irrelevance rather than sheer lack of modesty. Impudent can apply to remarks, actions, or a person, and can be transformed into impudence (noun) or impudently (adverb).

Synonyms and related terms: insolent, impertinent, audacious, cheeky. Antonyms: respectful, modest, deferential. In context, choosing impudent rather than milder terms signals a strong reproach toward the subject’s display of disrespect or shamelessness.