insolence

/ˈɪnsələns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnsələns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-s(ə-)lən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

insolence — noun

1. behaviour or language that is deliberately rude and shows no respect for someone

1.名詞B2
釋義

behaviour or language that is deliberately rude and shows no respect for someone, especially a person in a position of authority such as a teacher, parent, or boss.

例句

The teacher warned Suki that she would not tolerate any insolence in her classroom.

uncountable: tolerate insolence

Boris was dismissed from his job for insolence toward his supervisor.

insolence toward [person]

同義詞
  • rudeness

    Broader and less formal; rudeness can be unintentional, while insolence implies deliberate disrespect

  • impertinence

    Slightly more formal; suggests overstepping boundaries rather than full disrespect

  • disrespect

    More general; insolence is a specific form of disrespect that is openly defiant

反義詞
  • respect

    Showing proper regard for authority or another person's position

  • courtesy

    Polite behaviour that is the opposite of rude defiance

文法句型

insolence + toward/to + person

show insolence

tolerate insolence

用法筆記

Often used in formal complaints or disciplinary contexts. The person showing insolence is usually of lower rank or status than the person they are insolent toward.

常見錯誤

❌His insolence toward the police officer got him a ticket.
✅His insolence toward the police officer got him arrested.
💡While possible with a ticket, 'insolence' typically describes more serious or defiant disrespect, not just minor rudeness.

2. a particular rude remark, gesture, or action that shows defiance and a lack of r

2.名詞B2
釋義

a particular rude remark, gesture, or action that shows defiance and a lack of respect — for example, talking back to a judge or deliberately ignoring a direct order.

例句

Minh's insolence — walking out of the meeting while the director was speaking — shocked everyone in the room.

countable: an insolence = a specific insolent action

Fumi later apologised for the insolence of interrupting the CEO during the quarterly briefing.

同義詞
  • impertinence

    Similarly refers to a specific disrespectful act, but often milder

  • affront

    More formal; emphasizes the sense of personal offence caused

反義詞
  • apology

    The opposite action — an attempt to repair respect rather than break it

文法句型

a/some insolence

an insolence

用法筆記

This countable use (an insolence / insolences) is less common than the uncountable sense 1. It refers to a specific act rather than a general attitude. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 1 describes a pattern of behaviour ('He was fired for insolence'), while sense 2 points to one particular incident ('That comment was an insolence').