insolent
UK[ˈɪnsələnt]US[ˈɪnsələnt]
adj
rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or more important
Morpheme Breakdown
in
solent
in
not
solent
accustomed
Etymology
the word 'insolent' originates from the latin 'insolentem', meaning 'unusual, excessive, arrogant'. it is formed from the negative prefix 'in-' and 'solens', the present participle of 'solere', which means 'to be accustomed'. the core semantic logic is that of 'not being accustomed' to proper restraint or deference, thus stepping beyond accepted norms of behavior. this literal sense of 'unaccustomed' evolved through latin and middle french to acquire the abstract meaning of boldly disrespectful or contemptuous, describing someone who disregards conventional respect.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + solent (accustomed)
in- (latin prefix, meaning 'not'); solent (from latin present participle 'solens, solent-', meaning 'being accustomed', from the verb 'solere')
Examples
the insolent student was reprimanded for talking back to the principal.
she gave an insolent shrug when asked to follow the instructions.
his insolent remarks during the meeting offended several senior colleagues.