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Recklessly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recklessly

[ˈrɛkləsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

driving

in a careless or unthinking manner

Synonyms

carelessly, heedlessly, rashly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recklessly

Typically used when someone is behaving dangerously or without considering possible negative consequences. Often implies a high level of risk.

  • He drove recklessly down the highway, nearly causing several accidents
carelessly

Used when someone is not paying enough attention to their actions, often leading to mistakes or accidents. It suggests a lack of thoroughness or attention.

  • She carelessly left the door unlocked, which allowed the thief to enter
heedlessly

Suggests ignoring warnings or advice, showing a lack of attention or regard for rules and consequences.

  • He walked heedlessly into the restricted area despite the warning signs
rashly

Employed when someone acts without thinking things through, often impulsive and leading to regrettable decisions.

  • She rashly decided to quit her job without having another one lined up

Examples of usage

  • She drove recklessly through the busy intersection.
  • He acted recklessly by investing all his money in a risky venture.
Context #2 | Adverb

behavior

without thinking about the consequences of one's actions

Synonyms

foolishly, impulsively, irresponsibly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recklessly

This word is used when someone acts without considering the consequences or dangers, often in a way that risks harm or damage.

  • He drove recklessly through the crowded streets
  • She spent the company's money recklessly
impulsively

This is used for actions taken quickly without careful thought, often driven by sudden emotion or desire. The behavior might be spontaneous but not well-considered.

  • She impulsively bought a dress she didn't really need
  • He impulsively decided to quit his job
foolishly

This word is appropriate when someone does something silly or lacking common sense, often leading to negative consequences. There is a connotation of immaturity or a lack of wisdom.

  • He foolishly forgot to bring an umbrella on a rainy day
  • She foolishly invested all her savings in a risky business
irresponsibly

This is used when someone acts without considering their duties or the effects on others, showing a lack of responsibility. There is often a sense of neglect or disregard for obligations.

  • He irresponsibly missed his work deadlines
  • She behaved irresponsibly by not informing anyone about her plans

Examples of usage

  • He spoke recklessly without considering the impact of his words.
  • The hiker proceeded recklessly along the dangerous cliff.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often display reckless behavior leading to tragic outcomes, emphasizing moral lessons.
  • Modern novels frequently explore themes of recklessness, showcasing how impulsive decisions can lead to unexpected consequences.
  • Many poems depict the struggle between the desire for freedom and the risks of reckless actions.

Psychology

  • Studies show that brain areas associated with impulse control can be less active in individuals who act recklessly.
  • Recklessness is often linked with thrill-seeking behavior, where individuals crave excitement without considering dangers.
  • People who engage in reckless behavior may experience heightened emotions, which can cloud their judgment.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray reckless characters as heroes, showing the thrill of their adventures but also the dangers they face.
  • Songs sometimes celebrate recklessness as a form of freedom, appealing to youthful impulsivity and desire for adventure.
  • Recklessness in gaming can be seen as characters take extraordinary risks for rewards, often leading to engaging and dramatic storylines.

Legal Definition

  • In law, recklessness refers to a person's willingness to disregard the substantial risk of harm to others, which can lead to serious consequences.
  • Reckless conduct can result in criminal charges, especially in cases of accidents where someone is harmed due to careless actions.
  • Insurance companies often evaluate behaviors deemed reckless when determining policy rates and claims.

Origin of 'recklessly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'reck', which means to care or to pay attention, combined with the suffix '-less', meaning without.
  • Originally, 'reckless' emerged in the early 17th century, indicating a lack of concern or attention.
  • The term is often used in legal contexts to describe behaviors that disregard safety, such as reckless driving.

The word 'recklessly' is derived from the adjective 'reckless', which comes from the Old English word 'recceleas', meaning 'careless' or 'thoughtless'. The prefix 're-' indicates 'without', while 'cceleas' is related to 'cealian', meaning 'care'. Over time, the meaning of 'reckless' evolved to include actions done without consideration or caution, leading to the adverb 'recklessly'.

See also: recklessness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,349, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.