temerity
/ti'meriti/
Definition
Noun: 1. Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity: The quality of being willing to do something that is considered rude, disrespectful, or risky, often showing a lack of judgment about the potential negative consequences. 2. Fearless daring; rashness: Acting with a boldness that disregards danger or conventional restraint.
Usage
Temerity is a formal noun, typically used to describe an action or attitude that is seen as shockingly bold or presumptuous. It almost always carries a negative connotation, implying that the boldness is foolish, disrespectful, or unwarranted. It is often used in the phrase "have the temerity to do something."
Examples
- He had the temerity to ask for a raise after only one week on the job.
- I can't believe the temerity of that student, arguing with the professor about a grade.
- She criticized the plan with a temerity that stunned the committee.
Advanced Usage
- "The temerity of it!": An exclamation expressing shock or outrage at someone's audacious behavior.
- When he interrupted the CEO, everyone thought, "The temerity of it!"
Variants and Related Words
- Temerarious (adjective, archaic/formal): Characterized by temerity; rashly or presumptuously daring.
- His temerarious attempt to climb the mountain alone ended in rescue.
Synonyms
- Audacity: Shameless or brazen boldness.
- Cheek: (Informal) Impudent behavior or speech.
- Gall: (Informal) Insolent boldness.
- Nerve: (Informal) Impudent audacity.
- Presumption: Behavior perceived as overstepping due bounds.
Antonyms
- Timidity: Lack of courage or confidence.
- Diffidence: Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence.
- Prudence: The quality of being cautious and sensible.
Idioms and Phrases
- To have the temerity to (do something): This is the standard construction for using this word.
- She had the temerity to correct her boss in front of the entire team.
Noun
-
fearless daring
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