Meaning & use
insolence
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Rude, disrespectful, or contemptuous behavior or speech, especially toward someone in authority.
See it in a sentence
The teacher was shocked by the student's insolence when he rolled his eyes and walked out mid-lesson.
The king would not tolerate any insolence from his courtiers.
A note on using this word
Insolence implies a deliberate lack of respect, often directed at someone with authority or higher status, distinguishing it from ordinary rudeness between equals.
Words with a similar meaning
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