Basic Details
Word: Insolence
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Rude and disrespectful behaviour, especially towards someone older or in charge.
Synonyms: rudeness, impudence, cheek, disrespect
Antonyms: respect, politeness, courtesy
How to Spell Insolence
Syllables: in - so - lence
Tricky part: The ending is -ence, not -ance, and the vowel after the s is o. There is only one l.
Watch out for: insolance, insollence, insalence
Memory tip: A wise teacher meets insolence with silence. Both words end in -lence.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The coach would not accept insolence from any player, however talented.
Example 2: Rolling your eyes while your grandmother is speaking is a kind of insolence.
Example 3: His insolence cost him his place in the school band.
Fun Fact
The Latin word insolentia first meant unusual or strange behaviour, from in (not) and solere (to be used to). The sense of rudeness came later.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the word closest in meaning to insolence as used in the sentence:
The captain would not put up with the sailor's insolence any longer.
a) cowardice
b) rudeness
c) courtesy
d) laziness
Show answer
b) rudeness. Insolence is rude talk or behaviour; courtesy is its opposite.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
insollence
a) c
b) l
c) s
d) n
Show answer
b) l. Insolence carries a single l, so one of the pair is a stowaway.
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word:
1. insolance 2. defiance 3. obedience 4. patience
a) rude and disrespectful behaviour
b) the ability to wait calmly
c) open refusal to obey
d) doing what you are told
Show answer
a) rude and disrespectful behaviour. Defiance does end in -ance, but insolence takes -ence, so insolance is the slip.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these would a teacher call insolence?
a) raising a hand to ask
b) answering back with a sneer
c) saying thank you politely
d) handing in work early
Show answer
b) answering back with a sneer
2. The opposite of insolence is ____.
a) cheek
b) scorn
c) boldness
d) respect
Show answer
d) respect
