boldness
BOHLD-niss
/ˈbəʊld.nəs/
The willingness to take risks or act innovatively; confidence and courage.
Emphasizes striking visibility, decisive action, and willingness to stand out.
The story behind the word. Traced back to Proto-Germanic '*balthaz', which entered Old English as 'beald' (confident, strong, stouthearted). The suffix '-ness' creates the abstract noun for this energetic state of mind.
Word relationships
- audacity: Audacity often carries a hint of impudence or shock; boldness is purely decisive confidence.
- daring: Daring highlights physical risk or adventure.
- timidity: Lack of courage or confidence.
- hesitancy: State of pausing or wavering.
Commonly confused with
- baldness: Baldness refers to hairlessness, entirely unrelated in root.
Word family
- bold (adjective): confident and courageous
- boldly (adverb): in a confident manner
Collocations
- sheer boldness
- boldness of vision
- act with boldness
Idioms & expressions
- fortune favors the bold
Example sentences
- "The architect was praised for the boldness of her striking geometric design." Design
- "It took immense political boldness to sign the controversial peace treaty." Leadership
Memory hook
BOLD = STAND OUT IN BOLD PRINT. Boldness makes you stand out loudly. Decisive, eye-catching courage.
When not to use
Do not use when describing quiet, hidden endurance (use fortitude instead).
Fun facts
- In typography, 'bold' text is made thicker to stand out—just like a bold person stands out in a crowd!
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