WordGarden.io
Back to search

impoliteness

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪmpəlˈaɪtnəs/

US

  • /ɪmpəlˈaɪtnəs/

Description

Impoliteness isn't just about forgetting your manners; it's behavior that shows little care for other people's feelings. Think of Old Man Tiberius, the grumpy baker in town. He doesn't say "please" or "thank you," and he grumbles at customers as if they are bothering him. That's impoliteness in action. It can range from small slights, like interrupting someone, to more serious acts, like insults. While everyone has an off day, repeated impoliteness can hurt relationships and make everyday situations tense.

Sometimes, what's considered impolite varies between cultures. What might be acceptable directness in one country could be seen as rude in another. But generally, impoliteness is about failing to show the basic respect that others deserve.

Examples

  1. 1

    Restaurant behavior

    His impoliteness to the waiter made everyone at the table uncomfortable.

  2. 2

    Meeting etiquette

    She later apologized for the impoliteness of leaving the meeting without saying goodbye.

    • Pattern

      the impoliteness of + action

      the rude nature of that action

  3. 3

    Cultural norms

    In some cultures, asking someone’s age may be seen as impoliteness.

  4. 4

    Direct speech

    What I first heard as impoliteness was really just a very direct way of speaking.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • impolitenessnoun