dauntless
DAWNT-luss
/ˈdɔːnt.ləs/
Incapable of being intimidated, discouraged, or subdued; resolute.
Emphasizes resistance to intimidation and unwavering persistence under pressure.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'danter' (to conquer, tame, or restrain), derived from Latin 'domare' (to tame). 'Dauntless' literally means 'impossible to tame or intimidate'.
Word relationships
- indomitable: Indomitable emphasizes that someone cannot be defeated; dauntless emphasizes that someone cannot be frightened away.
- intrepid: Intrepid focuses on love of adventure, dauntless on resisting intimidation.
- easily discouraged: Quick to give up when challenged.
- intimidated: Subdued or frightened by threats.
Commonly confused with
- daunting: Daunting means intimidating or discouraging; dauntless means unable to be intimidated.
Word family
- dauntlessness (noun): unshakeable courage
- dauntlessly (adverb): in an undaunted manner
Collocations
- dauntless courage
- dauntless spirit
- dauntless resolve
Example sentences
- "Through storms and shipwrecks, the captain maintained a dauntless spirit." Literature
- "Dauntless he stood, watching the enemy armies gather along the ridge." Poetry
Memory hook
DAUNT = DISCOURAGE. DAUNTLESS = DISCOURAGE-LESS (cannot be discouraged). Undismayed by daunting hurdles.
When not to use
Do not use for casual or small-scale choices.
Fun facts
- The base verb 'daunt' shares a root with 'domesticate' and 'indomitable' via Latin 'domare' (to tame).
Explore more words
resolute, steadfast, indefatigable, Tenacious, Unyielding, relentless
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