insolently
insolently — adverb
1. in a boldly rude or disrespectful way, especially toward someone who expects res
in a boldly rude or disrespectful way, especially toward someone who expects respect
The trainee answered the safety inspector insolently, as if the rules were a joke.
answered insolently to an authority figure
Adisa laughed insolently when the teacher asked him to apologize.
laughed insolently instead of showing respect
The clerk shrugged insolently and refused to explain the extra fee.
Christopher spoke insolently to the judge and was removed from the courtroom.
Asher leaned back insolently while the director described the missed deadline.
- rudely
broader and more common; does not always suggest open defiance
- impudently
very close in meaning; formal and disapproving
- disrespectfully
neutral and direct; focuses on lack of respect without the old-fashioned tone of insolently
- respectfully
with proper respect for another person or position
- politely
with good manners
文法句型
answer insolently
speak insolently to someone
look insolently at someone
用法筆記
Use 'insolently' for speech, looks, gestures, or behaviour that openly shows a lack of respect. It is stronger and more formal than 'rudely' and often suggests defiance toward an authority figure.
常見錯誤
Do not use 'insolently' for ordinary disagreement. Say 'She disagreed politely', not 'She disagreed insolently', unless her tone or behaviour was openly disrespectful.