The word "insolent" is spelled with a silent "s" and is pronounced [ɪn.sə.lənt]. The phonetic transcription shows that the stress is on the second syllable, with a short "i" sound in the first syllable and a schwa sound in the final syllable. The "s" at the beginning of the word is not pronounced, which can be confusing for non-native speakers. Insolent means showing a rude or arrogant lack of respect. It is important to spell this word correctly in written communication to avoid misunderstandings.
Insolent is an adjective that describes a person's behavior or attitude as disrespectful, rude, or contemptuous. It refers to someone who displays a lack of respect or proper manners. An insolent individual demonstrates arrogance and a disdainful disregard towards authority, norms, or conventions.
This derogatory term implies a deliberate act of defiance, often accompanied by an insulting, brash, or cocky attitude. Insolence manifests in speech, gestures, or actions that intentionally offend or challenge others, primarily to assert dominance or superiority.
Insolent behavior may be demonstrated through insolent remarks, insolent behavior, or an insolent tone of voice. Such conduct often seeks to undermine others' authority, belittle their ideas or opinions, or show disregard for rules or social standards.
Moreover, insolence is commonly associated with a lack of humility, demonstrating a person's inflated sense of self-importance or superiority. It often arises from a disregard for social etiquette or a belief that one deserves special treatment or privileges. Insolence can be seen as a sign of arrogance, impudence, or a form of rebelliousness.
In summary, "insolent" describes a person whose behavior or attitude is disrespectful, defiant, or excessively self-assured. It emphasizes a deliberate disregard for authority or established norms, often accompanied by a contemptuous manner that seeks to offend or challenge others.
Haughty and contemptuous either in language or behaviour; insulting; overbearing; very rude.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word insolent comes from the Latin adjective insolens, which is a contracted form of in-solvens. In means not or without, and solvens is the present participle of the verb solvere, meaning to pay or to act recklessly. Thus, insolens originally meant not paying or not fulfilling obligations. Over time, the meaning of insolens evolved to connote arrogant, disrespectful, or rude, which is the current meaning of the English word insolent.