What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insolence
Example
The student's insolence towards the teacher resulted in detention. [insolence: noun]
Example
She spoke with insolence, interrupting the meeting with her rude comments. [insolence: noun]
audacity
Example
He had the audacity to ask for a raise after only working for a week. [audacity: noun]
Example
She showed audacity by standing up to the bully and defending her friend. [audacity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insolence is less commonly used than audacity in everyday language. Insolence is often associated with negative behavior, while audacity can be seen as a positive trait in certain contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insolence and audacity?
Both insolence and audacity are typically associated with an informal tone. However, insolence may be considered more informal and impolite, while audacity can be used in more formal contexts to describe a bold or daring action.