“Impertinence” and “pertinence” are words that, despite their similar spelling, have quite different meanings. Understanding the distinction between these terms is important for accurately describing behavior and relevance in various contexts. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their meanings.
Impertinence
Definition:
“Impertinence” means rudeness or disrespect. It describes behavior that is inappropriate or shows a lack of respect for others, especially in a way that disrupts or offends.
Examples of use:
“His impertinence in class wasted valuable time and irritated the teacher.”
“The customer’s impertinence towards the staff was unacceptable.”
“She was shocked by the child’s impertinence when he interrupted the conversation.”
Pertinence
Definition:
“Pertinence” means having a logical, precise relevance to the matter at hand. It refers to something being directly related or applicable to the current subject or situation.
Examples of use:
“The memorial has particular pertinence to the victim’s families, who find comfort in its symbolism.”
“Her comments during the meeting were of great pertinence to the project’s success.”
“The lawyer’s argument was noted for its pertinence to the key issues of the case.”
“Impertinence” and “pertinence” are terms with very different meanings. “Impertinence” refers to rudeness or disrespectful behavior, often disrupting or offending others. “Pertinence,” on the other hand, describes something that is relevant or applicable to a specific situation or discussion. Recognizing the difference between these terms will ensure accurate and effective communication in describing behavior and relevance.
