What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impertinent
Example
It was impertinent of him to ask her age. [impertinent: adjective]
Example
The employee's impertinent behavior towards his boss cost him his job. [impertinent: adjective]
rude
Example
It's rude to interrupt someone while they're speaking. [rude: adjective]
Example
I can't believe he made such a rude comment about her appearance. [rude: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rude is more commonly used than impertinent in everyday language. Rude is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while impertinent is less common and is typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impertinent and rude?
Impertinent is generally considered more formal than rude. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe behavior or comments that are inappropriate or irrelevant. Rude, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in both casual and formal settings to describe behavior that is disrespectful or impolite.