impudence

impudence, insolence

noun ahm-pyoo-DAHNS Rare

Usage Note

Impudence denotes shameless boldness or brazen disrespect, stronger than mere impertinence. It is often used in exclamations — Quelle impudence ! ('What nerve!'). The adjective impudent(e) describes the person, and the adverb impudemment means 'impudently'. It has a slightly old-fashioned, literary tone in modern French.

Examples

"Quelle impudence de lui répondre ainsi !"

Natural Translation

What impudence to answer him like that!

Literal Translation

What impudence to him answer thus!

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