insolent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "insolent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is defined as “rude and disrespectful in speech or behavior.” An example sentence is, "The insolent customer yelled at the store clerk and refused to apologize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

The New Yorker

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What looked right for Arnold Schwarzenegger on the campaign trail would look a bit insolent in the corridors of government.

The Economist

Several of the youngsters also hold up a red card, an insolent party symbol borrowed from football and meaning the president must be sent off.It is impossible to say whether the youths are just brazen jokers enjoying a tilt against their elders and benefiting from the handout of a free shirt.

The Economist

Perhaps Laurent Cantet came closest with "Entre les Murs" ("The Class") in 2008, a sobering documentary-style film about a well-meaning teacher up against apathy, family dysfunction and insolent high spirits in a multiracial Paris school.It is not for want of subject matter.

The Economist

Emile thus became a scholar by association, signing his name with stylish swagger, though snobbish Parisians still thought him an "insolent" peasant boy.Between 1926 and 1928 Dr Morlet brought in professionals.

The Economist

So does the kind of woman best represented by Lauren Bacall in "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep leggy, independent, tough and no less insolent than Humphrey Bogart, with whom she sexily spars.Time and again, Hawks looked for, and sometimes found, little-known actresses to mould into that pattern shared in many cases by his girlfriends and wives.

The Economist

Watching the dreary business of laying optical fibre cables off the coast of France is "as entrancing as watching insolent teenagers chew gum".

The Economist

Though British and Russian ships had from time to time prodded Japan's carapace, an edict in 1825 spelled out what would happen to uninvited guests "demanding firewood, water and provisions":The continuation of such insolent proceedings, as also the intention of introducing the Christian religion having come to our knowledge, it is impossible to look on with indifference.

The Economist

But the day before, in the upper house, where his grip is more tenuous, he got 169 votes against 139, which is not a secure majority in Italy's fragile system.Many senators, including some of his own, were openly dismayed by Mr Renzi's almost insolent manner.

The Economist

Then coffee houses were established, and the new pleasure gardens boasted dining rooms, famous for their meagre portions and insolent, grasping waiters.The word "restaurant" first came into use about a century later.

The Economist

His dream was to be like Maurice the dog, insolent and uncontrollable; the powers-that-be wanted him to be uptight, asexual and conservative, like Patapon the cat.

The Economist

Would MEPs really dare be so bold, not to say insolent?Voting in the European Parliament is unpredictable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "insolent" when you want to convey a sense of both rudeness and disrespect, especially towards authority or social conventions. It's stronger than simply "rude" and carries a connotation of defiance.

Common error

Avoid using "insolent" when simply describing impolite behavior that lacks a clear element of defiance or disrespect towards authority. "Rude" or "impolite" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "insolent" primarily functions to describe a noun, typically a person or their behavior, as displaying rudeness and disrespect. Ludwig shows various examples across different contexts, confirming its role as a descriptor of disrespectful demeanor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

The New Yorker

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insolent" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective to describe behavior that is both rude and disrespectful, especially toward authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples in diverse contexts. While alternatives like "impudent" or "disrespectful" exist, "insolent" carries a stronger connotation of defiance. As Ludwig shows, it is most commonly found in news and media sources and encyclopedias. When writing, use "insolent" to describe egregious violations of respect. Remember to consider the specific context to choose the most accurate word. Avoid using it for minor rudeness that doesn't involve a challenge to authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impudent

Similar in meaning, but often implies a more playful or mischievous disrespect.

impertinent

Suggests a lack of respect for boundaries or social conventions.

disrespectful

A more general term for showing a lack of respect, without necessarily implying rudeness.

cheeky

Implies a boldness or audacity that can be both amusing and disrespectful.

rude

A simpler and more direct term for impolite behavior.

flippant

Suggests a lack of seriousness or respect in speech or behavior.

brazen

Suggests shamelessness and a willingness to defy expectations or norms.

defiant

Implies a resistance to authority or expectations.

audacious

Implies boldness and daring, often with a hint of disrespect.

contemptuous

Expresses disdain or scorn for someone or something.

FAQs

How to use "insolent" in a sentence?

Use "insolent" to describe behavior that is both rude and disrespectful, especially towards authority. For example, "The student's "insolent remark" to the teacher resulted in detention".

What can I say instead of "insolent"?

You can use alternatives like "impudent", "disrespectful", or "cheeky" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "insolent" or "arrogant"?

"Insolent" implies rudeness and disrespect, while "arrogant" implies an exaggerated sense of one's own importance. The correct choice depends on the specific context. Someone can be "arrogant" without being "insolent", and vice versa.

What's the difference between "insolent" and "impertinent"?

While both terms describe disrespectful behavior, "insolent" often suggests a more blatant and offensive disregard for authority, while "impertinent" can imply a more subtle or inappropriate intrusion into someone's personal space or affairs.