Impolite

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɪmpəˈlaɪt/

Definitions

1. Showing a lack of good manners or consideration for others through rude or disrespectful behavior
2. Exhibiting a deficiency in courteous behavior or respect for societal norms, often manifesting as rudeness or thoughtlessness towards others
3. Displaying a disregard for politeness by acting in a way that offends social expectations of courteous interaction or respect

Etymology: Latin "impolītus" was built from "in-", meaning "not", and "polītus", the past participle of "polire", "to polish" or "to smooth". So the original sense was literal: something unpolished, rough, or unfinished. English borrowed the Latin word directly as a learned term, and "polite" itself came along from the same Latin root, with the Latin "polire" giving it the idea of smoothness that was later applied to manners. The English "polite" arrived earlier, and the prefix "im-" was attached to it in English, following the Latin pattern of negating a word with "in-" (changed to "im-" before "p"). The result is a plain negation: "impolite" describes what is not smooth or refined in conduct. The image behind it is one of rubbing a rough surface until it shines, which is exactly what "polite" once meant when applied to refined manners.

Synonyms: rude, discourteous, unmannerly, insolent, boorish

Antonyms: polite, courteous, civil, respectful, gracious