Impolite

/ˌɪmpəˈlaɪt/ adjective

Definition

Not showing respect or good manners; rude or disrespectful.

Etymology

From the prefix 'im-' (not) plus 'polite,' which comes from Latin 'politus' meaning 'polished' or 'refined.' Politeness is literally being 'refined' in behavior.

Kelly Says

The root 'polite' literally means 'polished'—like polishing something to make it smooth—and impolite behavior is the social equivalent of something rough and unrefined, which is why we call refined people 'polished.'

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