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insolently

insolently

1 7.6
In a rude way that shows no respect for people in charge
  • adverb
  • /ɪnˈsɒləntli/
translation icon : descaradamente
  • "How do I do that?" she grinned insolently.
  • stared insolently

Examples

  • The Elephant began to laugh insolently.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • "No money in it, you mean?" He smiled insolently back at her.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • "And what about you?" She stepped forward insolently.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • He did not like to hear women talked of so insolently.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • He put out his hand, insolently begging for money.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Her brother leaned insolently against the side of the rickety house.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Then he turned to stare insolently at the newcomer in the doorway.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • A gull landed on the rail beside his chair and stared insolently at him for a second.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • He looks me over slowly, insolently, and I will myself not to stiffen against his intrusive gaze.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The student spoke insolently to the teacher, showing a clear lack of respect.

Synonyms

rudely
vsinsolently
25 1.3

In a way that is not polite and shows no respect

is the general notion of disrespect, not only blunt impoliteness
offensively
vsinsolently
  • Offensive
15 4.5

In a rude or unpleasant way that upsets people

is about lack of respect itself rather than the offence caused
disrespectfully
vsinsolently
5 4.4

In a rude way that shows no respect

is the broad idea of rude or disrespectful manner rather than examples
contemptuously
vsinsolently
4 7.5

In a way that shows you have no respect for someone or something

covers disrespect generally rather than specifically showing contempt
discourteously
vsinsolently
1 6.9

In a rude or impolite way

is about showing disrespect, not just failing polite rules
cheekily
vsinsolently
  • Informal
1 6.2

In a rude but playful way that shows little respect

is more strictly about seriousness of disrespect rather than playfulness
crassly
vsinsolently
  • Offensive
1 7.8

In a way that shows no care for other people's feelings

is about showing disrespect generally, not only coarse manners
impolitely
vsinsolently
1 4.2

In a rude way that shows little respect for others

focuses more on disrespect than simple breaches of manners
impudently
vsinsolently
1 8.0

In a rude, bold way that shows no respect

is broader, covering disrespect without the bold or shameless tone
ungraciously
vsinsolently
1 7.1

In a rude or unfriendly way

is specifically about disrespect rather than simple lack of charm
impertinently
vsinsolently
1 7.6

In a rude way that shows no respect for a person in charge

is the general lack of respect rather than specifically bold tone
boorishly
vsinsolently
  • Offensive
1 8.2

In a rude way that shows no respect for others

focuses more on deliberate disrespect rather than simple roughness
unbecomingly
vsinsolently
  • Formal
1 8.1

In a way that is not proper or suitable for the situation

concerns disrespect for people or authority rather than general impropriety
contumeliously
vsinsolently
  • Offensive
9.9

In a rude, insulting way that shows clear disrespect

is less about scorn and more about general rude behaviour
uncouthly
vsinsolently
8.8

In a rude, awkward way that shows little politeness

is centered on disrespect toward people or authority rather than refinement
indecorously
vsinsolently
  • Formal
8.7

In a way that shows bad manners

is focused on rude disregard of people rather than mere impropriety
surlily
vsinsolently
9.9

In a rude, unfriendly way

is about disrespect toward others, not mainly about bad mood

Antonyms

101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

How Rude

brazenly
9 6.8
insolently
1 7.6
rudely
25 1.3

Surface Forms

insolently positive

Morphology

insolently = insolent (transparent) = insolent + ly

The adverb is formed by the regular addition of -ly to the adjective 'insolent', so the meaning is directly predictable from the adjective.

Etymology

Insolently comes from the Latin parts in- 'not' and solere 'to be used to'. So, someone who is 'not used to' normal polite rules may push past them and seem rude, which is why insolently means 'in a rude or disrespectful way'.