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effrontery

Effrontery (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ɪˈfrʌnt(ə)ri/

What does effrontery mean?

Extreme boldness or impudence, particularly when directed towards someone in a position of authority.
"The young man's effrontery in talking back to his boss was surprising."

Detailed Meaning of Effrontery

It is characterized by a lack of respect or disregard for social norms and conventions, and is often accompanied by audacity, nerve, or cheekiness. Effrontery can manifest in various forms, such as speaking to someone in a rude or condescending manner, disregarding instructions or rules, or acting in a manner that is inappropriately bold or presumptuous. The term is often used to describe behavior that is seen as disrespectful or insolent, and may be viewed as a challenge to the authority or status of the person being addressed. Effrontery is generally considered to be unacceptable in most social settings and can result in negative consequences for the individual exhibiting this behavior.

Example Sentences for Effrontery

1. The thief's effrontery in attempting to steal from the museum was bold.
2. The politician's effrontery in denying their wrongdoing was astonishing.
3. The celebrity's effrontery in treating the staff with disrespect was unacceptable.
4. The salesperson's effrontery in lying about the product's features was unethical.
5. The student's effrontery in cheating on the exam was a serious offense.
6. The driver's effrontery in running the red light was dangerous.

Origin and Etymology of Effrontery

The noun 'effrontery' has its origins in the Latin word 'effrons,' which means 'shameless' or 'impudent.' It is derived from 'ex,' meaning 'out of,' and 'frons,' which translates to 'forehead' or 'face.' The connection lies in the idea of being shameless or bold to the extent that one's demeanor is as open and undisguised as one's face. Over time, 'effrontery' evolved to describe extreme boldness or impudence, particularly when directed towards someone in a position of authority. This etymology underscores the notion of audacity so pronounced that it is as if one's shame or modesty has completely disappeared, leaving behind a brazen and unapologetic attitude.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun effrontery:

respect

audacity

humility

deference

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Effrontery

1. The CEO's effrontery in ignoring the board's recommendations was foolish.
2. The student had the effrontery to suggest that his professor was ill-informed.
3. The employee's effrontery in disregarding company policy was a cause for concern.
4. The politician's effrontery in making false promises was a sign of their lack of integrity.
5. The citizen's effrontery in disobeying the law was unacceptable.
6. The customer's effrontery in demanding a refund without a receipt was unreasonable.
7. His effrontery in questioning the CEO's decisions stunned the board.
8. The employee's effrontery in asking for a raise after a week on the job was astonishing.
9. Her effrontery in interrupting the professor's lecture was met with disapproval.
10. The politician's effrontery in making false claims eroded public trust.
11. The teenager's effrontery in talking back to his parents was unacceptable.
12. The customer's effrontery in demanding a refund for a used product surprised the store owner.
13. The comedian's effrontery in poking fun at sensitive topics sparked controversy.
14. The journalist's effrontery in asking probing questions made the interviewee uncomfortable.
15. The defendant's effrontery in lying under oath led to legal consequences.
16. Her effrontery in criticizing the chef's cooking offended the entire restaurant staff.
17. The student's effrontery in cheating on the exam resulted in disciplinary action.
18. The candidate's effrontery in making empty promises was apparent to voters.
19. The neighbor's effrontery in complaining about the noise disturbed the entire street.
20. His effrontery in plagiarizing a famous author's work was discovered and condemned.
21. The artist's effrontery in presenting a blank canvas as art was met with skepticism.
22. The employee's effrontery in stealing office supplies led to termination.
23. The athlete's effrontery in using performance-enhancing drugs tarnished his career.
24. The guest's effrontery in arriving uninvited to the private event caused a scene.
25. Her effrontery in forwarding confidential emails was a breach of trust.
26. The customer's effrontery in haggling over a heavily discounted item was uncalled for.