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Definitions

rude

[ryd] / rüd /




Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for rude?
Many synonyms of rude suggest a violation of manners or propriety, including impolite, bad-mannered, ill-mannered, mannerless, unmannerly, and discourteous. A word that suggests that a person doesn’t know how to interact with others—or doesn’t care how they do—is tactless. Words that suggest a more active, deliberate rudeness are disrespectful, insolent, and impertinent. People who are overly blunt or aggressive might be described as brash, brusque, crude, or boorish. The word uncivil implies that someone is behaving in a way that ignores common courtesy. A generally rude person might be called a jerk (or worse names). Rude can also describe something that is crudely made. The word crude can also be used as a synonym of this sense.
What is a more polite word for rude?
A more polite word for rude is, fittingly, impolite. Rude typically has an accusatory and judgmental tone. Along with impolite, synonyms that avoid this are impertinent, uncouth, and discourteous.
How is rude different from mean?
Someone who’s called rude might also be considered meanmalicious toward others. When you behave rudely, you treat others poorly in some way, and that can be seen as mean. But meanness doesn’t necessarily always involve rudeness. There are plenty of ways to be mean outside of violating manners and etiquette, which is what rude usually implies. A person can even be mean while appearing to be polite.
What is another word for a rude awakening?
The phrase rude awakening refers to an instance of being suddenly—rudely—forced to face an unpleasant fact. A similar term is eye-opener.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“That seems really rude,” I say, and Mom laughs.

From Literature

“Just for a little while. Teresita and her family are good neighbors, and they always invite us. Isn’t it rude not to go?”

From Literature

“I think I shall never lose the impression made by this rude, many-voiced Chorale,” Strong wrote that evening.

From The Wall Street Journal

The operator responded: "Can you stop being rude and actually answer my questions?"

From BBC

It's a rude awakening in a moment fraught with grave risk.

From BBC