How to Memorize

impertinent - cheeky

Analysis

If you are ‘impertinent’ you are being rude, but not necessarily in a nasty way. It expresses behavior that is more innocently inappropriate rather than deliberately cruel. The word is also frequently used to describe light-hearted cheekiness directed at somebody in a position of authority, such as a boss or teacher.

Example(s)

1. Brian was my most difficult student. He was always asking impertinent questions in class.

2. I hope Anne didn’t think I was being impertinent by asking her about her private life. I was just making conversation.

3. Only Alex could get away with such impertinence. The boss finds him hilarious.