insolent Hear it!

insolent Definition

in·so·lent (insə lənt)

adjective

  1. boldly disrespectful in speech or behavior; impertinent; impudent
  2. Now Rare arrogantly contemptuous; overbearing

Etymology: ME < L insolens < in-, in- + solens, prp. of solere, to be accustomed

insolent Related Forms
in·so·lence noun in′·so·lently adverb
insolent Synonyms

insolent

modif.

impertinent, impudent, offensive, arrogant; see proud 2, rude 2. See syn. study at impertinent, proud.

insolent Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • sweetness: The same free online 3d car game insolent sweetness was in her eyes when they again reverted to him.
  • manner: I would thank you not to address me in such an insolent manner again.
  • suitor: Then they both sat down by the trunk of the sacred olive-tree to plan the insolent Suitors ' deaths.
  • fellow: Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words.
  • behavior: Ordered that John Leavens be discharged from the office of wait for his insolent behavior to the gentlemen of the chamber.
  • word: You have no more right to use abusive or insolent words to a person than you have to smack him across the face.

Modifying Another Word

  • so: Maxine assures Joan she won't tell anyone what she knows when Joan warns her not to be so insolent to her in public.
  • very: Finally, he married his own daughter and was very insolent to St Germanus.
  • extremely: They were extremely insolent to the police officers who tried to get them to leave.

Used with adjective complement

  • grow: But what success has your honor's modesty been crowned with now, that it grows so insolent upon us?
  • become: Seeing this, the rest became extremely insolent, and more savages came to join them from the other side of the river.
  • seem: You, then, who are destitute of His grace, should not seem insolent in your pride.

Browse dictionary entries near insolent

  1. insolence
  2. insole
  3. insolation
  4. insolate
  5. insofar
  6. insobriety
  7. insnare
  8. insistent
  9. insistence
  10. insist
  1. insolently
  2. insoluble
  3. insolvable
  4. insolvency
  5. insolvent
  6. insomnia
  7. insomniac
  8. insomuch
  9. insouciant
  10. insoul