French word

rude

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁyd/

Meaning

  • adjectiveimpolite

Example

Il a été rude avec moi hier.

He was impolite to me yesterday.

Illustration for rude (impolite)

More examples

J'ai reçu une réponse rude.

I received a rude reply.

Core concept

A rough-edged manner that gives others no respectful space.

Common phrases

  • avoir un ton rude

    to have a rude tone

  • une réponse rude

    a rude reply

  • dire quelque chose de rude

    to say something rude

Similar words

impoli: Lacking good manners or courtesy.
brusque: Abrupt and unwelcoming in speech or manner.
méprisant: Showing a cold, contemptuous attitude toward others.
grossier: Coarse or vulgar in language or behavior.

Definition in French

Qui manque de politesse et traite les autres sans respect.

Word origin

French rude comes from Latin rudis, meaning rough or unworked, and developed through Old French toward the sense of rough, uncivil behavior.

Usage tips

  • The pattern être rude avec quelqu'un means to treat someone rudely, with avec rather than a direct object.

Other meanings

  • coarseadjective
  • brusqueadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word