Intrepid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intrepid

[ɪnˈtrɛpɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

brave and fearless

Intrepid is used to describe someone who is very brave and has no fear. It is often used to praise someone for their courage in facing difficult or dangerous situations.

Synonyms

brave, courageous, fearless.

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Word Description / Examples
intrepid

Used to describe someone who is very brave and willing to do dangerous things, often used in adventurous contexts.

  • The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted jungle
brave

Describes someone who is ready to face danger, pain, or difficult situations without showing fear.

  • She was brave enough to stand up to the bully
fearless

Describes someone who seems to have no fear and is willing to face any challenge, often used in a manner emphasizing audacity.

  • His fearless attitude made him a great skydiver
courageous

Highlights someone who shows courage, usually in moral actions or facing personal challenges.

  • The firefighter's courageous actions saved many lives

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his intrepid spirit in the face of danger.
  • The intrepid explorer ventured into the unknown jungle.
Context #2 | Noun

a person who is fearless and brave

As a noun, intrepid refers to a person who is fearless and brave in the face of danger. It is often used to describe individuals who show great courage and determination.

Synonyms

brave soul, courageous person, hero.

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Word Description / Examples
intrepid

Typically used to describe someone with a fearless and adventurous spirit, often in the face of danger or difficulty. Suitable for formal or literary contexts.

  • The intrepid explorer set out on a journey across the treacherous desert
  • The intrepid journalist reported from the war zone
hero

Typically refers to someone admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Commonly used in both casual and formal language, often with a sense of admiration.

  • The firefighter was hailed as a hero after saving several lives
  • In many cultures, folklore is filled with tales of legendary heroes
courageous person

Used to describe someone who demonstrates bravery and does not easily give in to fear. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, often with an emphasis on moral strength.

  • She proved herself to be a courageous person by rescuing the child from the burning building
  • It takes a courageous person to speak out against injustice
brave soul

Often used to describe someone who shows bravery in a challenging situation with a hint of admiration or endearment. Can be used informally or in spoken language.

  • You're such a brave soul to stand up for what you believe in
  • Only a brave soul would venture into the haunted house

Examples of usage

  • She proved to be an intrepid in the face of adversity.
  • The intrepid never backed down from a challenge.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Intrepid characters are often found in adventure novels, where they embark on daring quests.
  • Examples include explorers in classic literature, such as Captain Ahab in Moby Dick, showing unyielding bravery.
  • The term is often linked to the protagonists in tales of exploration and survival, illustrating their fearless nature.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently used to describe explorers, adventurers, and action heroes in films and books.
  • Marvel's 'Intrepid' may refer to heroes who face danger head-on, embodying the spirit of boldness.
  • Intrepid travel companies offer adventurous trips around the world, catering to those who love excitement.

Science

  • Intrepid scientists risk their safety to conduct research in extreme environments, like volcanoes or deep oceans.
  • The phrase often describes astronauts who embark on space missions, showcasing courage to explore the unknown.
  • Field studies in biology often feature intrepid researchers studying wildlife in challenging habitats.

Psychology

  • Intrepid individuals tend to exhibit higher levels of resilience, facing challenges head-on without fear.
  • Courage and risk-taking behavior are often studied in psychology, focusing on how intrepid people cope with stress.
  • Research suggests that such bravery can inspire others and contribute to group dynamics positively.

Origin of 'intrepid'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'intrepidus', meaning 'unafraid' or 'bold'.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'trepidus' comes from 'trepidare', which means 'to tremble' or 'to be afraid'.
  • It has been used in English since the early 19th century, capturing both fearlessness and adventurous spirit.

The word intrepid originated from the Latin word 'intrepidus', which means 'not frightened'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century, borrowed from French. The term has been used to describe fearless individuals throughout history, from explorers to warriors, emphasizing their bravery and courage in the face of adversity.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,587, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.