bold-faced

bold-faced

A student uses bold-faced text to highlight a key term in her report.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Immoderately bold or impudent: "bold-faced" describes someone who is shamelessly or arrogantly forward, often in a way that is disrespectful or offensive.
    • In printing: "bold-faced" refers to text that is printed in a thick, dark typeface, used for emphasis or headings.
Usage Examples

  • Immoderate boldness:

    • He gave a bold-faced lie to the committee, claiming he had never seen the document. (A shameless, impudent falsehood.)
    • Her bold-faced stare made everyone uncomfortable. (An arrogant, unapologetic gaze.)

  • In printing:

    • The title was set in bold-faced type to stand out on the page. (Thick, dark print for emphasis.)
    • Please highlight the key terms in bold-faced letters. (Use a heavy typeface.)
Advanced Usage

  • "bold-faced lie": a lie told with complete shamelessness or audacity.

    • The politician’s bold-faced lie was caught on camera. (An outright, unembarrassed falsehood.)

  • "bold-faced cheek": a phrase meaning impudent or presumptuous behavior.

    • He had the bold-faced cheek to ask for a raise after arriving late every day. (Shameless audacity.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Bold-faced (adj) is the standard spelling; also seen as boldfaced (one word).

  • Boldness (n): the quality of being brave or confident, sometimes to the point of rudeness.

    • Her boldness in speaking out surprised everyone. (Courage or impudence.)

  • Face (n): the front part of the head; in "bold-faced," it metaphorically refers to one's expression or demeanor.

Synonyms
  • Impudent: showing a lack of respect; offensively bold.
  • Shameless: having no sense of shame; brazen.
  • Audacious: willing to take bold risks, often with disregard for social norms.
Antonyms
  • Timid: showing a lack of courage or confidence.
  • Modest: unassuming in behavior; not boastful or bold.
Related Idioms

  • "Bold as brass": extremely confident or impudent.

    • He walked into the meeting bold as brass, despite being late. (Shamelessly self-assured.)

  • "Brazen it out": to face a situation with boldness, especially after doing something wrong.

    • She decided to brazen it out and deny the accusation. (Act with shameless defiance.)