impertinent
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “impertinent” mean?
adjective.not showing proper respect; rude.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts related to social interactions, authority, or etiquette, highlighting behavior that is not only disrespectful but also brazenly out of place. It emphasizes a lack of decorum that can escalate tensions, distinguishing it from similar words like "impudent," which implies a more audacious disregard for authority.
Common Confusions
Impertinent implies a bold disrespect in social contexts, while insolent usually suggests a more aggressive or contemptuous attitude towards authority.
Example Sentences
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His impertinent questions during the interview cost him the job.
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The student’s impertinent remarks during the lecture shocked the professor, who expected respectful discourse rather than flippant comments about the subject matter.
Word Parts: How to Remember “impertinent”
Break “impertinent” into its parts: in- (not) + -ten- (hold, keep). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
in-not (Latin) -
Root:
-ten-hold, keep (Latin)