Audacity: meaning, definitions and examples

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audacity

[ɔːˈdæsəti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

courageous behavior

Audacity is the willingness to take bold risks or to push the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable.

Synonyms

boldness, bravery, daring, fearlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
audacity	Used when someone does something very bold, often in a disrespectful or rude way. She had the audacity to interrupt the meeting and criticize the boss
boldness	Used when describing someone who is willing to take risks and act confidently. Her boldness in presenting her ideas impressed everyone in the room
fearlessness	Used to describe someone who does not feel fear, or who is very courageous. Her fearlessness in the face of danger inspired the entire team
daring	Used when someone is willing to take risks and challenge norms, often implying a sense of adventure. The explorer's daring voyage across the ocean was legendary
bravery	Used when talking about someone showing courage, especially in dangerous or difficult situations. His bravery during the fire saved many lives

Examples of usage

She had the audacity to ask for a raise after only working at the company for a month.
The audacity of his plan was both impressive and reckless.
I can't believe the audacity of some people to speak to others in such a disrespectful manner.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

impudence

Audacity can also refer to a rude or disrespectful attitude, often used in a negative context.

Synonyms

brashness, cheekiness, impertinence, impudence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
audacity	This word is best used when talking about someone who takes bold risks, often without considering the negative consequences. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. He had the audacity to ask for a raise after only a month on the job She showed great audacity by presenting her controversial ideas to the board
impudence	This word is used to describe behavior that is blatantly disrespectful, shameless, and offensive. It generally has a strong negative connotation. His impudence was unacceptable and he was asked to leave the room She couldn't believe his impudence in speaking back to the manager
cheekiness	This word is often used to describe playful, impudent behavior that is somewhat disrespectful but in a humorous or endearing way. It is commonly used in British English. The boy's cheekiness made everyone laugh, despite the chaos he caused You can't help but admire her cheekiness
impertinence	This word is used for behavior that is rude and disrespectful towards someone of higher status or authority. It has a formal tone and a negative connotation. His impertinence towards the professor was shocking She was reprimanded for her impertinence during the meeting
brashness	Use this word to describe behavior that is offensively bold, rash, and self-assertive. It generally has a negative connotation. His brashness made him unpopular among his colleagues Her brashness often got her into trouble

Examples of usage

I was shocked by her audacity to speak to the manager in such a tone.
The audacity of his comments left everyone in the room speechless.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'audacia,' which means bravery or boldness.
In the 14th century, 'audacity' began to take on a more daring or reckless meaning in English.
The root 'audax' in Latin means 'bold' or 'daring', highlighting the word's strong origins.

Psychology

Research shows that people with high self-esteem often display more audacity in their decisions and actions.
Audacity can sometimes be linked to an individual's risk tolerance, influencing their approach to challenges.
The balance of audacity can affect leadership styles, with some leaders using bold strategies to inspire and motivate.

Pop Culture

Audacity has been embraced in modern music and arts, where artists often push boundaries to create impactful messages.
Some of the most memorable movie characters are defined by their audacity, challenging norms and often leading to pivotal changes in the plot.
In social media, audacity can lead to viral moments, as bold statements or actions can quickly capture public attention.

Literature

Famous authors like Mark Twain and Virginia Woolf used audacity in their writing to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
The concept of audacity often appears in heroic journeys within literature, where characters must take bold risks to achieve their goals.
Audacity in poetry frequently allows poets to express deep emotions, confronting readers with unexpected themes.

History

Throughout history, audacious figures like Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela took bold actions that changed the course of social justice.
The American Revolution featured audacious acts, like the Boston Tea Party, symbolizing daring defiance against authority.
Leaders who showed audacity during pivotal moments in history often inspired others to join their cause, shaping the future.

Translations

Translations of the word "audacity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 audácia

🇮🇳 दुस्साहस

🇩🇪 Kühnheit

🇮🇩 keberanian

🇺🇦 зухвалість

🇵🇱 zuchwałość

🇯🇵 大胆さ

🇫🇷 audace

🇪🇸 audacia

🇹🇷 cüret

🇰🇷 대담

🇸🇦 جرأة

🇨🇿 odvaha

🇸🇰 odvaha

🇨🇳 大胆

🇸🇮 drznost

🇮🇸 dirska

🇰🇿 батылдық

🇬🇪 სიმამაცე

🇦🇿 cüret

🇲🇽 audacia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,456, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16453 tease
16454 facilitation
16455 meditate
16456 audacity
16457 dungeon
16458 muttering
16459 deponent
...