Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Insolent
In′so-lent
,Adj.
[F.
insolent
, L. insolens
, -entis
, pref. in-
not + solens
accustomed, p. pr. of solere
to be accustomed.] 1.
Deviating from that which is customary; novel; strange; unusual.
[Obs.]
If one chance to derive any word from the Latin which is
insolent
to their ears . . . they forthwith make a jest at it. Pettie.
If any should accuse me of being new or
insolent
. Milton.
2.
Haughty and contemptuous or brutal in behavior or language; overbearing; domineering; grossly rude or disrespectful; saucy;
“A paltry, insolent fellow.” as, an
insolent
master; an insolent
servant. Shak.
Insolent
is he that despiseth in his judgment all other folks as in regard of his value, of his cunning, of his speaking, and of his bearing. Chaucer.
Can you not see? or will ye not observe . . .
How
How proud, how peremptory?
How
insolent
of late he is become,How proud, how peremptory?
Shakespeare
3.
Proceeding from or characterized by insolence; insulting;
as,
. insolent
words or behavior
Syn. – Overbearing; insulting; abusive; offensive; saucy; impudent; audacious; pert; impertinent; rude; reproachful; opprobrious.
–
Insolent
, Insulting
. Insolent, in its primitive sense, simply denoted unusual; and to act insolently was to act in violation of the established rules of social intercourse. He who did this was insolent; and thus the word became one of the most offensive in our language, indicating gross disregard for the feelings of others. Insulting denotes a personal attack, either in words or actions, indicative either of scorn or triumph. Compare Impertinent
, Affront
, Impudence
. Webster 1828 Edition
Insolent
IN'SOLENT
,Adj.
1.
Proceeding from insolence; haughty and contemptuous; as insolent words or behavior.2.
Unaccustomed; the primary sense. [Not used.]Definition 2024
insolent
insolent
English
Adjective
insolent (comparative more insolent, superlative most insolent)
- Insulting in manner or words.
- Rude.
- 1907, Robert W[illiam] Chambers, “chapter VI”, in The Younger Set (Project Gutenberg; EBook #14852), New York, N.Y.: A. L. Burt Company, published 1 February 2005 (Project Gutenberg version), OCLC 4241346:
- “I don't mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera, the gorged dowagers, […] the chlorotic squatters on huge yachts, the speed-mad fugitives from the furies of ennui, the neurotic victims of mental cirrhosus, […]!”
-
- Cheeky.
Synonyms
- insulting: arrogant, bold, cocky, impudent
- rude: disrespectful, impertinent, insubordinate, offensive
- See also Wikisaurus:cheeky
- See also Wikisaurus:arrogant
Related terms
Translations
insulting in manner or words
rude
|
Noun
insolent (plural insolents)
- A person who is insolent.
- 2010, Louisa Shea, The Cynic Enlightenment: Diogenes in the Salon (page 7)
- Diogenes Laertius reports that Diogenes was apt to take the identification with the dog at face value, as when he lifted his leg and relieved himself on a group of young insolents who teased him with a dog's bone […]
- 2010, Louisa Shea, The Cynic Enlightenment: Diogenes in the Salon (page 7)
French
Pronunciation
Adjective
insolent m (feminine singular insolente, masculine plural insolents, feminine plural insolentes)