impudence

/ˈɪmpjədəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪmpjədəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈim-pyə-dən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

impudence — noun

1. bold, disrespectful behaviour or speech, especially towards an older person or s

1.名詞C1
釋義

bold, disrespectful behaviour or speech, especially towards an older person or someone in authority, that ignores normal politeness.

例句

Gita was suspended for her impudence after she called the head teacher a fool in class.

impudence + towards an authority figure

The young intern had the impudence to correct the chairman during the board meeting.

have the impudence to + infinitive

同義詞
  • insolence

    very close in meaning and formality; often interchangeable, but 'insolence' leans slightly more towards open contempt

  • cheek

    informal British equivalent; lighter in tone and often almost affectionate

  • audacity

    emphasises shocking boldness rather than rudeness; can be admiring as well as critical

  • effrontery

    more formal and literary; stresses shameless nerve in doing something improper

反義詞
  • deference

    polite, respectful submission to someone older or of higher rank

  • respect

    general everyday opposite

  • courtesy

    emphasises polite, considerate manners rather than hierarchy

文法句型

the impudence to + infinitive

show impudence

用法筆記

Uncountable; typically appears with definite article or possessive ('the impudence of...', 'her impudence'). The fixed pattern 'have the impudence to + infinitive' carries a tone of indignant disapproval from the speaker.

常見錯誤

❌He showed many impudences to his teacher.
✅He showed great impudence to his teacher.
💡impudence is uncountable; use 'great/such/much impudence', not a plural.
❌She had impudence to interrupt the minister.
✅She had the impudence to interrupt the minister.
💡the fixed pattern requires the definite article 'the'.