Definition of: impudence

(im′pyə·dəns) noun
1. Effrontery; insolence.
2. Insolent language or behavior.
3. Obs. Shamelessness; immodesty. Also im′·pu·den·cy. [<OF <L impudentia] Synonyms: assurance, boldness, effrontery, forwardness, impertinence, incivility, insolence, intrusiveness, officiousness, pertness, presumption, rudeness, sauciness. Impertinence primarily denotes what does not pertain or belong to the occasion or the person, and hence comes to signify interference by word or act not consistent with the age, position, or relation of the person interfered with or of the one who interferes; especially, forward, presumptuous, or meddlesome speech. Impudence is shameless impertinence. What would be arrogance in a superior becomes impertinence or impudence in an inferior. Impertinence has less of intent and determination than impudence. We speak of thoughtless impertinence, shameless impudence. Insolence is literally that which is against custom, that is, the violation of customary respect and courtesy. Officiousness is thrusting upon others unasked and undesired service, and is often as well–meant as it is annoying. Rudeness is the behavior that might be expected from a thoroughly uncultured person, and may be either deliberate and insulting or un-intentional and even unconscious. Compare ARROGANCE, ASSURANCE, EFFRONTERY. Antonyms: bashfulness, coyness, diffidence, humility, lowliness, meekness, modesty, submissiveness.