French word

insolent

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃sɔlɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiverude

Example

Il a été insolent envers le professeur.

He was rude to the teacher.

Illustration for insolent (rude)

More examples

Ne sois pas insolent avec ta grand-mère.

Don't be rude to your grandmother.

Core concept

A person whose words or gestures show arrogant disregard for another person's dignity.

Common phrases

  • être insolent envers quelqu'un

    be rude to someone

  • répondre d'un ton insolent

    reply in a rude tone

  • se montrer insolent

    behave rudely

Similar words

impoli: Displaying poor manners in a way that is rude to others.
impertinent: Presumptuously intruding with disrespectful remarks or behavior.
grossier: Being coarse or vulgar in speech or behavior, causing offense.
arrogant: Behaving as though one is better than everyone else.

Definition in French

Qui montre un manque de respect envers quelqu'un, souvent par des paroles ou des gestes et avec une certaine arrogance.

Word origin

French insolent comes through Old French from Latin insolens, which developed from "unusual" or "excessive" to "presumptuous".

Usage tips

  • Calling someone insolent is a strong personal judgment, so describing the specific remark or gesture can sound less confrontational.

Other meanings

  • impudentadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • insolenceinsolencenoun
  • insolentementrudelyadverb

Word lists with this word