Embolden Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embolden

[ɪmˈboʊldən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

encourage confidence

To embolden means to give someone the courage or confidence to do something. It is often used to describe actions or words that inspire or empower others.

Synonyms

empower, encourage, inspire, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embolden	Used when you want to give someone the courage or confidence to do something they might be afraid to do. His friend's support emboldened him to speak up in the meeting
encourage	Used when you want to give someone support, confidence, or hope to make them more likely to act in a certain way. Teachers should encourage students to ask questions during lessons
empower	Used when you want to give someone more control or power over their own actions or decisions. The new policies are designed to empower employees to take initiative
inspire	Used when you want to make someone feel motivated or have a strong desire to do something creative or beneficial. The athlete's story inspired many people to pursue their dreams
strengthen	Used when you want to make someone or something stronger or more forceful. Regular practice will strengthen your skills in this sport

Examples of usage

She emboldened her team with a motivating speech.
His success story emboldened others to pursue their dreams.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

make more bold

To embolden also means to make something bolder or more prominent. It can refer to making text or visuals stand out more.

Synonyms

accentuate, highlight, underline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
embolden	Use when you want to make someone feel more confident or courageous. Her success emboldened her to take on more challenging projects. The leader's speech emboldened the team to strive for excellence.
highlight	Use when you want to mark something as important or bring attention to a specific detail. The professor highlighted the key points of the lecture. The report highlights the challenges faced by the community.
accentuate	Use when you want to make something more noticeable or prominent. The artist used bright colors to accentuate the features of the portrait. She wore a red scarf to accentuate her outfit.
underline	Use when you want to emphasize the importance of a word, phrase, or statement, often literally by drawing a line beneath it. The teacher underlined the due date on the board. In her speech, she underlined the need for immediate action.

Examples of usage

The designer emboldened the logo for better visibility.
She emboldened the key points in her presentation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Encouragement and positive reinforcement can embolden individuals, helping them take on challenges they might shy away from.
Research shows that people who feel emboldened are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, which can be beneficial or detrimental.
Confidence-building activities can significantly embolden individuals, enhancing their overall mental health.

Literature

In literature, characters who are emboldened often undergo significant personal growth, embracing change and facing fears.
Classic stories often feature a mentor figure who emboldens the protagonist, aiding their journey towards self-discovery.
Shakespeare often depicted characters whose relationships emboldened them to act in ways they wouldn’t have alone.

Culture

Many cultural movements focus on emboldening marginalized voices, encouraging them to speak out and seek change.
In art, many creators sought to embolden social messages through bold colors and designs, impacting public perception.
Traditions and rituals in various cultures can embolden individuals by instilling a sense of belonging and identity.

Education

Teachers often aim to embolden students by fostering supportive environments that encourage asking questions and taking risks.
Programs designed to embolden leadership skills in youth focus on practical experiences and public speaking.
Educational settings that prioritize collaboration and open dialogue often see students become emboldened in sharing their ideas.

Origin of 'embolden'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English term 'embolden', which means to make bold or to encourage.
It is a combination of 'en-' meaning to make or cause, and 'bold', which refers to being adventurous or courageous.
The root 'bold' dates back to Old English 'beald', meaning brave or daring.

The word 'embolden' originated from the combination of 'em-' (meaning 'to make') and 'bold'. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. Over time, 'embolden' has evolved to convey both the sense of encouraging confidence and making something more bold or prominent.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,669, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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