1. in a bold, rude manner that deliberately shows a lack of respect for someone in
1.adverbC1
Definition
in a bold, rude manner that deliberately shows a lack of respect for someone in a position of authority, such as a parent, teacher, manager, or other person who should be treated with courtesy.
Example
Tariq spoke impudently to the headmistress and was sent to the principal's office immediately.
speak impudently to [authority figure]
Gabriela impudently interrupted the keynote speaker to express her disagreement with the data.
impudently interrupt [speaker]
The junior lawyer impudently challenged the senior partner's interpretation of the contract.
Saira grinned impudently at the security guard and walked straight past the closed gate.
grin impudently at — body language conveys disrespect
Rafael impudently told the referee the call was unfair, and the crowd fell silent.
All four words describe discourteous behavior, but they differ in tone and the type of disrespect shown. 'Rudely' is the broadest term — it covers any impolite action, from forgetting to say thank you to shouting at someone. 'Impudently' narrows the focus to bold, deliberate disrespect toward a person in authority, like a parent, teacher, or boss. 'Impertinently' overlaps with impudently but emphasizes presumptuousness — speaking or acting as if social boundaries do not apply to you. 'Insolently' is the strongest and most openly hostile; it suggests contempt and defiance, not just a lack of manners. 'Cheekily' sits at the opposite end: it describes mild, playful rudeness that is often meant to be funny rather than hurtful. For example, a student who talks back to a teacher is acting impudently or impertinently; a student who winks at the teacher while making a joke is being cheeky.
From Latin 'impudenter' (shamelessly, impudently), derived from 'im-' (not) + 'pudens' (modest, ashamed), which in turn comes from 'pudere' (to be ashamed). The word entered English through French in the late 16th century, originally carrying the strong sense of shameless boldness. Over time, the meaning shifted from general shamelessness to the more specific idea of rude disrespect toward people in authority.