Impudent vs Insolent vs Impertinent

Question

Hello, I'd like to ask whether there's any substantial difference between these three adjectives? Thanks in advance to whomever is kind enough to answer this

Imantaghavi · Accepted Answer

Hi Anon,

From my point of view all of them are synonymous and can be used interchangably.

Cheers,

Iman

Hrsanei · Answer

Hi.

They are synonymous.

Bear in mind, impudent is old fashioned and it just makes sense in formal context.

Regards

Anonymous · Answer

I have recently learned the difference (if there's any) between impertinence, insolence, and impudence.

Though they can be used interchangeably to mean rude or impolite behavior, there's a slight difference.

Impertinent - Plainly, which isn't pertinent with the etiquette and good behavior. Hence, if we may, it is a milder form of the lot.
Insolent - A notch more stronger than the others, it means that a behavior that's rude and which lacks respect for other people.
Impudent - Strongest of the three, it means that a behavior that is fuelled by or displays contempt (intense hatred).

However, these words can probably be used interchangeably. I cannot give any authority over it as I'm no language expert but this is my understanding.

I would like to know what anyone else thinks about the difference I've pointed out. Feel free to add any additional information.

Anonymous · Answer

To me, there is a difference between a) rude behaviour towards people in general and b) not showing sufficient respect to a person in authority, such as a king. When among the general public, it is perfectly acceptable, even admirable, to be free and easy and lighthearted but would be considered inappropriate, insolent, in the presence of the king, unless one was himself a king and considers oneself his equal. So, it comes to a question of class and self-identification. Servants should not be insolent towards their masters but the exact same behaviour - questioning a point, offering alternatives, making suggestions, etc. - is perfectly acceptable among equals. If a king says 'no' to a commoner, it is not insolent; if a commoner says 'no' to a king, it is insolent. If a teacher says 'no' to a student, it is not insolent; if a student says 'no' to a teacher, it is insolent. If an officer says 'no' to a soldier, it is not insolent; if a soldier says 'no' to an officer, it is insolent, etc.

Anders Anderson · Answer

To me, there is a difference between a) rude behaviour towards people in general and b) not showing sufficient respect to a person in authority, such as a king.

When among the general public, it is perfectly acceptable, even admirable, to be free and easy and lighthearted, but the same would be considered inappropriate, impertinent, impudent, insolent, in the presence of the king, unless one was himself a king and considers oneself his equal.

So, it comes to a question of class and self-identification and social-identification.

Servants should not be insolent towards their masters, but the exact same behaviour - questioning a point, offering alternatives, making suggestions, etc. - is perfectly acceptable among equals.

If a king says 'no' to a commoner, it is not insolent; if a commoner says 'no' to a king, it is insolent. If a teacher says 'no' to a student, it is not insolent; if a student says 'no' to a teacher, it is insolent. If an officer says 'no' to a soldier, it is not insolent; if a soldier says 'no' to an officer, it is insolent, etc.

Impudent, impertinent, insolent: one has transcended the bounds of one's perceived station in society.

Even a king can display offensive behaviour towards his subjects if he goes too far, i.e., aggressive, clumsy, unwanted sexual advances towards married women or virgin maidens, but I would not call this impudent, impertinent, insolent, I would call this boorish, lack of judgement, lack of finesse; a commoner making aggressive, clumsy, unwanted sexual advances towards the queen or the king's daughter would be considered impudent, impertinent, insolent - and would probably cost him his head.

Impudent vs Insolent vs Impertinent

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