effrontery

What does “effrontery” mean?

noun.insolent or impertinent behavior.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts involving social interactions, authority, or conflict, highlighting instances of boldness or disrespect. It emphasizes a brazen challenge to social norms or expectations, distinguishing it from mere rudeness by suggesting a confident defiance that can provoke strong reactions.

Common Confusions

Effrontery implies bold and disrespectful defiance, while insolence usually suggests a general lack of respect or rudeness without the same level of audacity or confidence.

Example Sentences

• She had the effrontery to demand a refund after using the product.

• Any refusal to salute the president shall be counted as an effrontery.

Word Parts: How to Remember “effrontery”

Break “effrontery” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ex- out of, from (Latin)