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impolitely

B2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪmpəlˈaɪtli/

US

  • /ˌɪmpəˈlaɪtli/adverb

Description

To do something impolitely means to act in a rude way that shows poor manners or a lack of respect for other people. It can describe things like cutting in line, interrupting someone, or speaking in a harsh way when a calmer, more respectful tone is expected. Sometimes a person does this on purpose, and sometimes they do not realize how their behavior affects others. What feels rude in one place or culture may seem less serious in another, so context matters.

Examples

  1. 1

    Classroom

    He answered impolitely when the teacher asked him to put his phone away.

  2. 2

    Restaurant complaint

    The customer spoke impolitely to the waiter and then demanded a refund.

  3. 3

    Front desk

    She had been treated impolitely at the front desk, so she asked to see the manager.

  4. 4

    Email tone

    The email was worded impolitely, even though he said he was only being direct.

  5. 5

    Rude question

    "Are you always this slow?" he asked impolitely, making everyone at the table uncomfortable.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • impolitelyadverb