insolent

[in-suh-luh nt] /ˈɪn sə lənt/
adjective
1.
boldly rude or disrespectful; contemptuously impertinent; insulting:
an insolent reply.
noun
2.
an insolent person.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin insolent- (stem of insolēns) departing from custom, equivalent to in- in-3 + sol- (stem of solēre to be accustomed) + -ent- -ent
Related forms
insolently, adverb
overinsolent, adjective
overinsolently, adverb
Synonyms
1. brazen; contemptuous. See impertinent.
Examples from the web for insolent
  • The only exceptionalism they exhibit is the exceptionally incoherent, incompetent and insolent.
  • Instead, they vented their hatred of dogmatism and intolerance in personalities so insolent as to become in themselves intolerant.
  • And sometimes, especially if the other side is dishonest, a more insolent tack is called for.
  • In spite of his respectable upbringing, in spite of a certain undeniable shyness, he never omitted to be insolent.
  • Finally, after one particularly insolent answer, the defendants' attorneys adjourned the deposition.
British Dictionary definitions for insolent

insolent

/ˈɪnsələnt/
adjective
1.
offensive, impudent, or disrespectful
Derived Forms
insolence, noun
insolently, adverb
Word Origin
C14: from Latin insolens, from in-1 + solēre to be accustomed
Word Origin and History for insolent
adj.

late 14c., "contemptuous, arrogant, haughty," from Latin insolentem (nominative insolens) "arrogant, immoderate," literally "unusual," from in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + solentem, present participle of solere "be accustomed," which possibly is related to sodalis "close companion," and to suescere "become used to." Meaning "contemptuous of rightful authority" is from 1670s. Related: Insolently.