adjective
impolite
im-puh-LYTE/ˌɪmpəˈlaɪt/
Not showing courtesy or good manners.
It is impolite to interrupt someone who is still speaking.
Etymology
The image is of something not polished or smoothed. Applied to behavior, this roughness became a lack of refinement in manners, hence discourtesy.
In context
English people traditionally are a bit sort of buttoned up and you know it's impolite to make noises when you eat and it's not very proper to show Too Much exuberant Delight in food right
More examples
- She apologizes for her impolite remark about his cooking.
- Checking your phone during dinner can seem impolite.
- He declined the invitation without being impolite.
Forms
impolite · more impolite · most impolite
impolitely adverb — In a way that shows poor manners.
impoliteness noun — A lack of courtesy or good manners.
Similar words
- rude
- Often suggests more openly offensive or disrespectful behavior.
- discourteous
- More formal; emphasizes failure to show expected courtesy.
- inconsiderate
- Emphasizes neglect of others' needs or feelings, not just manners.