Insolently

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner characterized by brazen disrespect and audacity
2. In a way that shows bold disrespect and a lack of courtesy
3. Expressed with cheeky disregard for others and a defiant attitude

Etymology: "Insolently" is an inflected-looking form only in appearance: it is simply the adverb of "insolent", built by adding the suffix "-ly" to that adjective. The adjective comes from Latin "insolens", meaning "unaccustomed, unusual, arrogant", a compound of "in-" ("not") and "solens", the present participle of "solere", "to be accustomed". So the original sense is closer to "not behaving as usual" than to "rude", and the arrogance came later. The adverbial ending has a long lineage of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body, form, appearance", which became a suffix meaning "having the form or appearance of". Over time, through Old English "-līce" and Middle English "-ly", it came to mark manner, so "insolently" describes doing something in the manner of an insolent person.

Synonyms: disrespectfully, impertinently

Antonyms: respectfully, politely