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Impolite vs. Unpolite — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Impolite refers to showing bad manners; Unpolite is an uncommon, outdated variant meaning the same but is rarely used in modern English.
Impolite vs. Unpolite — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Impolite and Unpolite

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Key Differences

Impolite is a term that is widely accepted and used in the English language to describe behavior that lacks manners or shows disrespect. On the other hand, Unpolite, while understood, is considered archaic and is not commonly used in contemporary language. Impolite describes actions or words that are not in accordance with accepted social manners or etiquette. Unpolite, while holding a similar meaning, does not have the same level of acceptance in modern linguistic usage.
In general conversations and formal writing, "impolite" is the standard term to describe actions or behaviors that are discourteous or lacking in manners. Conversely, you would rarely encounter "unpolite" in literature or dialogues, as it is not the preferred term and may be viewed as incorrect or outdated. The utilization of “impolite” is pervasive in various contexts, be it formal or informal, given its universal recognition and understanding. "Unpolite", meanwhile, might pose a risk of confusing interlocutors or readers due to its infrequent usage and somewhat archaic status.
"Impolite" carries a straightforward implication of being the opposite of polite, encompassing all behaviors that are considered rude or lacking courtesy. Unpolite would theoretically carry the same implication, given its construction, but isn’t a term you would commonly find in modern dictionaries or publications. Impolite can be applied to various scenarios, such as language, actions, or gestures that do not adhere to expected social norms. Unpolite, while holding similar meaning, lacks the contemporary relevance and applicability that "impolite" possesses.
One might utilize "impolite" to label an action, statement, or behavior that diverges from the accepted etiquettes or courteous interactions. Choosing to utilize "unpolite", while it may be understood, may raise eyebrows and potentially prompt corrections, given its non-standard status in current English usage.

Comparison Chart

Common Usage

Widely used and accepted in modern English.
Rarely used and is not a preferred term in contemporary English.
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Formal Writing

Suitable and commonly found in various writings.
Rarely, if ever, seen in formal writing due to its archaic nature.

Colloquial Speech

Regularly employed in everyday speech.
Unlikely to be used in casual or formal conversations.

Dictionaries

Found in most, if not all, contemporary dictionaries.
Might be absent from many modern dictionaries.

Connotations

Directly associated with rude or discourteous behavior.
Holds similar meaning but lacks modern linguistic associations.

Compare with Definitions

Impolite

Impolite also implies behaving in an offensive manner.
The impolite guest belched loudly at the table.

Unpolite

Unpolite refers to not exhibiting politeness.
His unpolute language was noticed by everyone.

Impolite

Impolite means acting in a way that is inconsiderate to others.
It was impolite of him to not hold the door open.

Unpolite

Unpolite implies an absence of courteous behavior.
Being unpolute, he neglected to thank her.

Impolite

Impolite can describe violating etiquettes or protocols.
It is impolite to interrupt when others are speaking.

Unpolite

Unpolite implies a lack of adherence to social etiquette.
It was unpolute to not respond to the invitation.

Impolite

Impolite means not having or showing good manners.
It's impolite to talk with your mouth full.

Unpolite

Unpolite can describe behavior that is unkind or harsh.
The unpolute comment left her feeling upset.

Impolite

Impolite refers to being disrespectful in communication.
His impolite reply shocked her.

Unpolite

Unpolite might suggest a deliberate avoidance of manners.
Unpolite in manner, he didn’t apologize for the oversight.

Impolite

Not polite; discourteous.

Unpolite

(obsolete) Unsophisticated, not refined; coarse, uncultured.

Impolite

Not polite; not of polished manners; wanting in good manners.

Unpolite

Lacking in good manners; impolite, discourteous.

Impolite

Not polite; not of polished manners; wanting in good manners; discourteous; uncivil; rude.

Unpolite

Not polite; impolite; rude.

Impolite

Not polite

Common Curiosities

Is “impolite” commonly used in English?

Yes, “impolite” is widely used to describe rude or discourteous behavior.

Can “impolite” be used to describe disrespectful language?

Yes, “impolite” can describe disrespectful or rude language and actions.

Is it correct to use “unpolite” in everyday conversations?

While it might be understood, “unpolite” is not standard in everyday conversations and might be seen as incorrect.

Does “unpolite” directly contradict “polite”?

Theoretically yes, but “unpolite” is not standard and is seldom used to contradict “polite.”

Can “unpolite” be found in modern dictionaries?

“Unpolite” is infrequently found in contemporary dictionaries and is considered outdated.

Is “impolite” appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, “impolite” is suitable and accepted in both formal and informal writing.

Is “unpolite” recognized in formal communication?

“Unpolite” is generally not recognized in formal communication due to its rarity and outdated usage.

Can “unpolite” be used interchangeably with “impolite”?

Although theoretically similar, “unpolite” is not a standard or commonly accepted substitute for “impolite.”

Is “unpolite” regarded as formal or informal language?

“Unpolite” is neither formal nor informal; it’s generally regarded as archaic and non-standard.

Does “impolite” have a straightforward opposite?

Yes, the opposite of “impolite” is “polite.”

Can “impolite” describe both actions and words?

Yes, “impolite” can describe actions, words, and behaviors that lack politeness.

Can “impolite” refer to violating social etiquette?

Yes, “impolite” can describe behavior that violates accepted social etiquette.

Does “impolite” have synonyms that are also widely used?

Yes, synonyms like “rude” or “discourteous” can be used in place of “impolite.”

Can “unpolite” be used to describe social interactions?

While it might be understood, “unpolite” is not commonly used to describe social interactions.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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