rash
RASH
/ræʃ/
Acting or done without due consideration of possible consequences; foolishly hasty.
Emphasizes the foolishness or hazard of the decision rather than the speed alone.
The story behind the word. Originating from Middle High German 'rasch' meaning 'fast' or 'quick'. Over centuries in English, the connotation shifted from mere speed to an unhealthy, foolish speed that ignores obvious risks.
Word relationships
- foolhardy: Foolhardy specifies bravery mixed with stupidity; rash applies more broadly to any foolishly hurried action.
- reckless: Reckless implies explicit indifference to known danger; rash stresses lack of reflection beforehand.
- prudent: Prudent reflects wisdom, careful foresight, and sound judgment.
- circumspect: Circumspect literally means looking all around, assessing all risks before acting.
Commonly confused with
- rash (noun): The noun refers to a medical skin breakout; the adjective means foolishly hasty.
Word family
- rashly (adverb): In an unwisely hasty manner.
- rashness (noun): The quality of acting without thinking of consequences.
Collocations
- rash decision
- rash promise
- rash action
- make a rash move
Idioms & expressions
- reckless abandon
- rush in where angels fear to tread
Example sentences
- "It is too rash, too unadvis'd, too sudden; Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be Ere one can say 'It lightens.'" Classical dramatic warning
- "Resigning from the board before securing a new appointment was a rash move that jeopardized his career." Strategic analysis
Memory hook
If you make a RASH decision, you might end up with an itching regret. Fast action that burns you afterwards.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the noun 'rash' (a skin eruption), though both imply inflammation or irritation metaphorically.
Fun facts
- Shakespeare used 'rash' over 30 times across his plays, almost always to foreshadow disastrous tragic downfalls.
Related words
Explore more words
imprudent, foolish, recklessness, squander, Headstrong, negligent
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