rude

adjective

SayROOD/ɹud/UK/ɹuːd/

Formsruder, rudest

8 meanings of rude

1
impoliteadjective
Not polite, acting in a way that hurts or upsets other people.
Like pushing past someone in line instead of waiting your turn.
It is rude to interrupt people while they are talking.
He gave a rude answer and slammed the door.
UsageSay rude to someone, or it's rude to stare.
Similarimpolite, discourteous, disrespectful, insolent, impertinent
Oppositepolite, courteous, respectful, civil
Note
2
dirtyadjective
About sex or the body in a way that can shock or offend.
The children giggled at the rude joke.
Someone had drawn a rude picture on the wall.
UsageSay a rude joke or a rude word.
Similarcrude, vulgar, dirty, smutty, obscene
Oppositeclean, decent
Note
3
suddenadjective
Happening suddenly and roughly, in a way that is not gentle.
The cold water gave him a rude shock.
A rude jolt woke the passengers when the train stopped.
UsageSay a rude awakening or a rude shock.
Similarharsh, abrupt, violent, sudden, rough
Oppositegentle, mild
Note
4
adjective
Made or done in a simple, rough way, without much skill or polish.
Like a table made from a plank laid across two boxes.
They built a rude shelter out of branches and leaves.
The cabin held only a rude bench and a cold stove.
Similarcrude, rough, primitive, rudimentary, makeshift
Oppositerefined, polished, sophisticated, elaborate

Practice

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Origin

From Latin "rudis," meaning rough, raw, or wild, which came into English through Old French.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

English rude derives from Latin rudis. en.wiktionary.org
Latin rudis means rough, raw, or wild. en.wiktionary.org
The word entered English through Old French. en.wiktionary.org