Impertinence-Pertinence | Commonly Confused Words
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Master confusing words with ease

Impertinence vs. Pertinence

Impertinence

/ɪmˈpɜːrtnəns/
Impertinence means behaving in a way that is rude or disrespectful, especially towards someone older or in a higher position.

Examples:

His impertinence often left others dumbfounded.The child's impertinence rivaled that of a seasoned politician.A bold display of impertinence shocked the entire committee.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Pertinence

The quality of being directly related and important to the matter at hand

Examples:

The pertinence of her advice was evident immediately.His question bore no pertinence to the current topic.The jury debated the pertinence of the new evidence.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Pertinence is about relevance or being appropriate to the matter at hand.
  • Impertinence involves rudeness or lack of respect, often being inappropriate.
  • Remember: im usually adds a negative meaning, so impertinence is about something negative.
  • Pertinence is typically a positive quality, indicating importance.
  • Think of per in pertinence like perfectly relevant.
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