noun
- plural of pertness; instances or qualities of being boldly forward or impudent in speech or behavior
Usage: formal
Examples
- The teacher was surprised by the various pertnesses displayed by the students during the assembly.
- Her pertnesses in addressing the board members shocked everyone present.
- The novel captured the pertnesses of youth with remarkable accuracy.
- Such pertnesses were not tolerated in the strict household.
- The critic noted the pertnesses in the character’s dialogue throughout the play.