Impolite

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Impolite

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

im-puh-LYT  /ɪmpəˈlʌɪt/

Definition

Not having or showing good manners; rude; lacking social grace or courtesy.

Plain meaning

Impolite means rude or lacking in good manners. An impolite question is one that violates social norms about what is appropriate to ask. Impolite behaviour at the dinner table — burping, reaching across, interrupting — fails to meet the standards of courtesy expected in that context. The word is milder than rude and more formal than bad-mannered. It implies a failure to observe the social norms of polite behaviour rather than deliberate malice.

Register

Neutral to mild. Impolite is used in everyday speech and formal writing. It is a moderate term — implying a failure of social grace rather than deliberate offence. Telling someone their question is impolite is more diplomatic than calling it rude. In many contexts impolite is itself a polite way of saying rude.