Definition of impertinent

The word "impertinent" is derived from the Middle French word "impertente," which, in turn, originated from the Latin word "impertinentem," meaning "unfit to be joined together." When the word was first adopted into the English language in the 14th century, it had a completely different meaning. It was used to describe objects that were not joined together in the correct manner, such as a stool with legs that didn't fit properly. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include human behavior. In the 16th century, "impertinent" began to be used to describe people who acted in a way that was not expected or appropriate in a given situation. This usage continued to grow during the 17th century, and today, the word is commonly used to describe someone who is rude, unnecessary, or tactless, especially in a conversation or social context. Interestingly, there is a connection between the original meaning of the word and its current usage. When someone is considered "impertinent," they are often acting in a way that does not fit well with the situation or context at hand. They may be disrupting a conversation or disturbing the peace, much like an object that is not joined together properly can be ineffectual or out of place. Despite this connection, the origins of the word are markedly different from its modern meaning, and it has undergone a significant transformation over the centuries. Today, "impertinent" is a common word in the English language, evoking images of rudeness, tactlessness, and impoliteness. Its origins, however, lie in a far simpler and more straightforward explanation, one that is rooted in the rectitude of objects and the forms they take.