rude

The definition of rude is behavior that does not conform to what society says would be polite or good manners or inappropriate subjects of discussion.

(adjective)

  1. An example of rude is bumping into someone and not saying "Excuse me."
  2. An example of rude is when you engage in an inappropriate discussion about sex.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See rude in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective ruder, rudest

  1. crude or rough in form or workmanship: a rude hut
  2. barbarous or ignorant: rude savages
    1. lacking refinement, culture, or elegance; uncouth, boorish, coarse, vulgar, etc.
    2. Brit., Informal indecent; obscene: a rude joke
  3. discourteous; unmannerly: a rude reply
  4. rough, violent, or harsh: a rude awakening
  5. harsh in sound; discordant; not musical: rude tones
  6. having or showing little skill or development; primitive: rude drawings
  7. not carefully worked out or finished; not precise: a rude appraisal
  8. sturdy; robust; rugged: rude health

Origin: OFr < L rudis, akin to rudus, debris, rubble < IE *reud-, to tear apart < base *reu-, to tear out, dig up > rug, rotten

Related Forms:

See rude in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective rud·er, rud·est
  1. Relatively undeveloped; primitive: a rude and savage land; a rude agricultural implement.
  2. a. Being in a crude, rough, unfinished condition: a rude thatched hut.
    b. Exhibiting a marked lack of skill or precision in work: rude crafts.
    c. In a natural, raw state: bales of rude cotton.
  3. a. Lacking the graces and refinement of civilized life; uncouth.
    b. Lacking education or knowledge; unlearned.
    c. Ill-mannered; discourteous: rude behavior.
  4. Vigorous, robust, and sturdy.
  5. Abruptly and unpleasantly forceful: received a rude shock.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin rudis

.

Related Forms:

  • rudeˈly adverb
  • rudeˈness noun

Learn more about rude

link/cite print suggestion box