Do you know the definition of bold? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word bold, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
What does the word bold mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language and other sources like Collins English Dictionary or American Heritage, the word bold means brave, or fearless before danger. It can also be used to describe someone who is impudent or presumptuous, or something that stands out prominently like boldface lettering. Bold is an adjective. The pronunciation of bold is bəʊld. One can add the suffixes er and est to create the words bolder and boldest. Many different things can be bold, including bold leadership, a bold speech or bold leader, bold settlers, bold waters, a bold answer, a bold mathematician, bold designs, bold relief or a bold face lie.
Many different languages also contain words that mean bold. You may notice that some of these words look and sound similar to the word bold. These are called cognates, which are words that mean the same thing as well as look and sound similar across languages. Cognates are often formed when two words have the same root, or when two languages share a common language of origin such as Latin or Greek. This list of translations for the word bold is provided by Word Sense.
- Ido: brava, proda, kuraja, kurajoza, kurajema
- Greek: τολμηρός, θαρραλέος
- Hebrew: אמיץ, אמיצה
- Swedish: modig, djärv
- Mongolian: зоримог
- Yiddish: מוטיק, דרייסט
- Georgian: გამბედავი, გულადი
- Bulgarian: смел (smel), храбър (hrábǎr)
- Mandarin: 膽大, 胆大 (dǎndà), 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn)
- Slovak: smelý, odvážny, opovážlivý, trúfalý
- Esperanto: aŭdaca
- Scottish Gaelic: dàna
- Japanese: 勇敢, 大胆
- Norwegian: modig
- Hungarian: bátor
- Polish: odważny, śmiały
- French: hardi, effronté
- Italian: sfrontato, ardito, audace, coraggioso
- Armenian: քաջ, խիզախ, հանդուգն
- Spanish: audaz, intrépido, atrevido
- German: mutig, wagemutig, tapfer, kühn
- Czech: odvážný (masc.), smělý (masc.), troufalý (masc.)
- Dutch: moedig
- Danish: modig
- Catalan: agosarat
- Cyrillic: одважан, храбар
- Finnish: arastelematon, arkailematon, karski, rohkea, röyhkeä, selväpiirteinen, suorasukainen, urhoollinen, uskalias, voimakas
- Roman: odvažan, hrabar
- Estonian: julge, vahva
- Irish: dána
- Portuguese: corajoso, bravo, audacioso
- Latin: audans, audax
- Vietnamese: dũng cảm, can đảm, gan dạ
- Scots: bauld
- Russian: сме́лый, хра́брый, отва́жный
How can the word bold be used in a sentence?
The word bold can be used in many different ways in the English language. Below are several examples of bold.
They came up with a bold plan to escape the Emperor. The bold hero knew it meant possible danger, but she was sure they could solve the difficult problem together.
He had bold handwriting, and used thicker strokes than the ordinary form of the typeface and font. The teacher found his thick heavy lines an interesting choice outside the usual bounds of typography.
The team set out upon their bold adventure in the novel’s bold plot. The reader was excited by the lack of modesty and restraint that the author showed in the work. She was excited to read about the escapades in the mansion and royal court.
While it may have been unconventional, she decided on a bold pattern for her wedding dress. She wanted to stand out whether her family would rebuff her or not.
The bold leader had a contempt of danger, and was not afraid of the foreign shore, bludd headland or when the bold chalk cliffs of England rise above the sheer descent of rock.
What are synonyms and antonyms of bold?
There are many different words and phrases that mean the same thing as the word bold. These are called synonyms. Synonyms are a very useful English grammatical device to know because they can help people avoid repeating themselves in written work and conversation as well as expanding their vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word bold is provided by Thesaurus.
- spirited
- audacious
- pert
- spunky
- vivid
- coming on strong
- loud
- manifest
- eye-catching
- prominent
- colorful
- insolent
- brash
- evident
- fresh
- impudent
- fearless
- plain
- valiant
- nervy
- gutsy
- strong
- bold
- cheeky
- bantam
- immodest
- presumptuous
- clear
- definite
- undaunted
- forward
- courageous
- gritty
- heroic
- smart-alecky
- confident
- forceful
- assuming
- flashy
- smart
- shameless
- barefaced
- dauntless
- brave
- gallant
- showy
- pronounced
- valorous
- aweless
- daring
- unafraid
- rude
- adventurous
- enterprising
- conspicuous
- sassy
- saucy
- intrepid
- lively
- brassy
There are also many different words and phrases that mean the opposite of the word bold. These are called antonyms. Antonyms are another useful English language device to know because they are a simple way to improve your vocabulary. This list of antonyms for the word bold is also provided by Thesaurus.
- subtle
- controlled
- tasteful
- dejected
- neutral
- repressed
- inobtrusive
- repentant
- quiet
- solemn
- low-key
- muted
- submissive
- soft
- moderated
- tempered
- hushed
- unobtrusive
- down in the mouth
- dim
- subdued
- chastened
- toned down
- domesticated
- sober
- shaded
- softened
- out of spirits
- restrained
- sad
- downcast
- domestic
- serious
- grave
- crestfallen
- mellow
What is the origin of the word bold?
According to Etymonline, the word bold comes from the Middle English and Old English beald and West Saxon beald, and the Anglian bald. This word has been used since the mid-13c. Bold comes from the Proto-Germanic balthaz, which is also the source of Old High German bald, Gothic balþei, Dutch boud, middle High German balt, Old Prussian balo, Swedish båld, Albanian ballë, and Old Norse ballr. This comes from the Proto-Indo-European roots bhol-to and bhel. One can add the suffixes ly and ness to make the related words boldly (adv.) and boldness (n.).
Overall, the word bold (boʊld) refers to something or someone that is fearless and intrepid. This person may be outside the usual limits of conventional thought or rules of propriety, and this word can be used in a good or bad sense.
Sources:
- Bold | Meaning, Origin, Translation | Word Sense
- BOLD Synonyms: 124 Synonyms & Antonyms for BOLD | Thesaurus
- SUBDUED Synonyms: 42 Synonyms & Antonyms for SUBDUED | Thesaurus
- bold | Origin and meaning of bold | Online Etymology Dictionary
- Bold | Definition of Bold | Merriam-Webster
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do’s and don’ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
смелый, дерзкий, храбрый, наглый, рельефный, самоуверенный, крутой, отчетливый
прилагательное ↓
- храбрый, смелый; дерзновенный
bold thinker — смелый мыслитель 
bold plan /speech/ — смелый план /-ое выступление/
- наглый, дерзкий
- самоуверенный
- чёткий, отчётливый (о почерке)
bold design — чёткий чертёж
in bold relief — рельефно
- сильный, мощный
bold flames — мощное /яростное/ пламя
- жирный (о шрифте)
- крутой (о береге)
to be (so) bold as, to make (so) bold — позволить себе, осмелиться
I’ll be /I make/ bold to say — осмелюсь сказать
as bold as brass — бесстыжий, бесстыдный, наглый
Мои примеры
Словосочетания
a figure carved in bold relief — рельефно вырезанная фигура
a scarf with a bold floral pattern — косынка с ярким цветочным рисунком
to make bold (with) — позволять себе вольности (с)
bold cliffs — крутые скалы
bold foray — смелое нападение
bold pate — лысая макушка
bold-spirited — храбрый
a bold spot — плешь
bold step — смелый шаг, поступок
bold term — смелое высказывание
bold / sweeping assertion — огульное утверждение
last-ditch / bold attempt — отчаянный поступок, отчаянная попытка, смелый шаг
Примеры с переводом
He ventured on a very bold step.
Он решился на очень смелый шаг.
It’s a bold plan that might fail.
Это дерзкий план, который может провалиться. / Это смелый и рискованный план.
All the headings are in bold type.
Все заголовки выделяются жирным шрифтом.
She wore a dress with bold stripes.
Она надела платье в крупную полоску.
Bold young hearts, athirst for fame of war.
Храбрые молодые сердца, жаждущие военной славы.
The print should be bold and easy to read.
Надпись должна быть крупной и легко читаемой.
The company’s name was printed in bold letters across the top of the page.
Название компании было напечатано жирным шрифтом в верхней части страницы.
ещё 18 примеров свернуть
Примеры, ожидающие перевода
The painting is done in bold colors. 
Bright bold accessories are the quickest way to add colour to a room.
He just walked in and sat down, as bold as you please.
Для того чтобы добавить вариант перевода, кликните по иконке ☰, напротив примера.
Возможные однокоренные слова
boldly — смело, нагло, размашисто
overbold — слишком смелый, дерзкий, опрометчивый
boldness — смелость, дерзость, кураж, удаль, энергичность, самоуверенность
Формы слова
adjective
срав. степ. (comparative): bolder
прев. степ. (superlative): boldest
Last Updated: December 7, 2021 | Author: Corey Walker
Contents
- 1 Whats does bold mean?
- 2 What is an example of bold?
- 3 What does bold guy mean?
- 4 Does bold mean rude?
- 5 What is a bold person like?
- 6 Is it good to be bold?
- 7 What is the meaning of bold girl?
- 8 What is the opposite bold?
- 9 How can I be bold?
- 10 What is the difference between bald and bold?
- 11 Is bold and brave the same thing?
- 12 How do you become bold in a relationship?
- 13 What is the difference between confidence and boldness?
- 14 What is a bold person called?
Whats does bold mean?
1 : willing to meet danger or take risks : daring bold knights. 2 : not polite and modest : fresh a bold remark. 3 : showing or calling for courage or daring a bold plan. 4 : standing out prominently She has a face with bold features. 5 : being or set in boldface.
What is an example of bold?
Bold is defined as free in behavior, or prominent. A person who is not afraid to speak up for what he believes, even to people with more power than him, is an example of someone who is bold. A child who is too confident and arrogant as a result of being spoiled is an example of a child who is overly bold.
1 courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks. 2 showing or requiring courage.
Does bold mean rude?
As adjectives the difference between bold and rude
is that bold is courageous, daring while rude is bad-mannered.
What is a bold person like?
Bold people stand out from the group. They are confident, courageous, and directed. … People who choose to be bold are inspiring not just because they get big things accomplished, but because they also instigate growth, progress, and movement for themselves and others around them.
Is it good to be bold?
Being bold builds your confidence.
When you set a goal, and say it out loud it becomes real. The more you talk about your goals even the ones that may seem far-fetched, the more confident you will become that you can achieve them. You will begin to believe in yourself more than you ever have before.
What is the meaning of bold girl?
1 courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks. 2 showing or requiring courage.
What is the opposite bold?
Antonym. Bold. Timid. Get definition and list of more Antonym and Synonym in English Grammar.
How can I be bold?
So if you want to be bold and unstoppable, here are some ways to kick start your momentum.
- Pretend you’re already bold.
- Make the first move.
- Do something unpredictable.
- Ask for what you want.
- Take risks.
- Rediscover who you are.
What is the difference between bald and bold?
Bald is an adjective used to describe someone (usually a man) with no hair on their head. … Bold is an adjective used to describe a someone who is fearless and courageous.
Is bold and brave the same thing?
As adjectives the difference between brave and bold
is that brave is strong in the face of fear; courageous while bold is courageous, daring.
How do you become bold in a relationship?
7 Sweet Ways To Love Your Bold, Outspoken Partner
- Appreciate their insight. …
- Fight back if you disagree. …
- Take the lead in bed. …
- Recognize that they have feelings. …
- Reason with them, but don’t judge. …
- Learn to be bold like them. …
- Don’t be afraid to tell them you love them.
What is the difference between confidence and boldness?
As nouns the difference between confidence and boldness
is that confidence is passive self-assurance while boldness is the state of being bold; courage.
What is a bold person called?
1 fearless, adventurous, brave, valiant, intrepid, valorous, dauntless.
Adjective
Few politicians have been bold enough to oppose the plan to cut taxes.
It’s a bold plan that might fail.
Hiring a novice was a bold move.
He punished the bold child for talking back.
I’d like to offer a few criticisms, if I may be so bold.
She wore a dress with bold stripes.
The painting is done in bold colors.
See More
Recent Examples on the Web
As Micah had been Irina’s only ally throughout the show, this seemed like a seriously bold move.
—
Amy Mackelden, ELLE, 8 Apr. 2023
Though not as conceptually bold as the run of triumphs the director made right before it, Last Flag Flying boasts a characteristically loose structure, and there are some bum comic and dramatic notes scattered across the film’s baggy series of episodes.
—A.a. Dowd, Chron, 4 Apr. 2023
In an unusually bold act of disagreement, three deputies sent letters of dissent.
—Elisabeth Zerofsky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2023
The pilot revealed that there would probably be cannibalism in the future, which was a very bold stroke.
—Keith Nelson, Men’s Health, 31 Mar. 2023
This one, too, might not seem so bold on its face.
—Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2023
Her detailed portrait of Johnson illuminates the considerable risks faced by a London publisher bold enough to defy the repressive laws issued by the nervous British government at a time when revolution seemed worryingly likely to spread from France to England.
—Miranda Seymour, The New York Review of Books, 30 Mar. 2023
If that means making a seemingly bold choice for a wedding — like wearing crimson lipstick — go for it.
—Paige Stables, Allure, 30 Mar. 2023
Less bold: Burnes takes home his second Cy Young Award.
—Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2023
Fortune favors the bold.
—Anto Dotcom, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2022
And fortune favors the bold.
—Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 10 June 2022
In this case, fortune favors the bold.
—Abhi Rahman, CNN, 5 May 2022
Second, fortune favors the bold.
—Mike Kerrigan, WSJ, 4 May 2022
America favors the bold.
—Ciku Kimeria, Quartz, 6 Apr. 2022
Fortune favors the bold.
—Jason O’bryan, Robb Report, 2 Dec. 2021
Fortune favors the bold.
—Duy Ha, ExpressNews.com, 10 June 2020
In a pendulum swing away from stark minimalism, the brands that participated in this year’s fair embraced the beauty in the bold with quirky decorative items, statement furniture pieces, and colorful wallpapers.
—Isiah Magsino, Town & Country, 25 Jan. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘bold.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Text enclosed by asterisks was in bold face in the original (* bold*). ❋ Raymond Z. Gallun (1952)
Text enclosed between tilde characters was in bold face in the original book (~this text is bold~). ❋ James McCrone Douie (1894)
He applied in public things the Spenserian line, ‘_Be bold, be bold, and everywhere be bold_,’ but neither did he forget the iron door with its admonition, ‘_Be not too bold_.’ ❋ John Morley (1880)
Text enclosed between tilde characters was in bold face in the original (~bold face~). ❋ D. A. Compton (1846)
The section mentions several migratory statuses without specifically including or excluding inmigrado (emphasis in bold is mine). ❋ Unknown (2009)
Right there in bold is the issue with your thinking … Israel has been provoking them for 60 years straight. ❋ Unknown (2006)
(The «unsigned» in bold is a little confusing when you’re scanning the list, but it just refers to the original price of the books.) ❋ Unknown (2005)
Make the title bold and in some color other than the default black. ❋ Vbdotnetnrew (2009)
In an emailed statement, Spain’s Telefónica SA expressed support for the proposal, which it called a «bold political move to find a long-term structural solution to inject more competition» before «price regulation can be lifted in the coming future.» ❋ Frances Robinson (2011)
In an op-ed that ran in the Los Angeles Times, Bruce Barcott cheered what he described as bold parenting. ❋ Unknown (2010)
From a fundraising e-mail this morning (the bold is the way it appears in the original message): ❋ Unknown (2008)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The president today spoke of what he called the bold steps these last 10 months to stabilize the financial system. ❋ Unknown (2009)
And, lest we forget all the judge-bashing of late, the AP provides this handy listing (the bold is my idea, not AP’s): After the death of Schiavo, a brain-damaged Florida woman whose parents unsuccessfully sought to have her feeding tube reinserted despite her husband’s wishes, some Republican members of Congress lashed out at judges involved in the case. ❋ Unknown (2005)
MCINTYRE: Contacted by CNN, Murray Neal, the CEO of Pinnacle Armor and the inventor of Dragon Skin, accused General Sorenson of what he called a bold-faced lie, insisting the Army has documentation showing his Dragon Skin vests exceed Army requirements. ❋ Unknown (2006)
This is what you call a bold initiative to really “identify the base”. it has already been mentioned that we already knew this was going on. ❋ Unknown (2006)
Turning to the day’s other news, a top White House official today declared that President Bush’s State of the Union speech tomorrow will be what he called a bold step forward in the debate about Social Security reform. ❋ Unknown (2005)
Republican Senator Pat Roberts, the highly respected chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, unveiled what he calls a bold action plan and, indeed, that plan includes a dismantling of the CIA, and already many powerful Democrats voicing opposition. ❋ Unknown (2004)
And to that end, the secretary of state is coming here to offer support for what he calls the bold, courageous move that President Pervez Musharraf made in standing with the … ❋ Unknown (2001)
FDR was guided not by the iron dictates of ideology, but by the pragmatism by what he called bold persistent experimentation. ❋ ITY National Archives (1998)
[My friends] [think] [I am] a bold person. ❋ Ana (2005)
That is one bold [shirt] you are [wearing] [Seth]. ❋ Slartibartfast (2004)
I was looking at this bold [star’s] [pics] and [jacked off] too much that my dick and hand hurt. ❋ Viperion (2007)
[No example] (no bold [text] [allowed] in this area :P) ❋ Boingat (2005)
Sorry, I can’t [come out]. I have to bold as I have [chemistry] [tomorrow] ❋ Fmm88 (2010)
Sorry, I can’t [come out] tonight. I have to bold, as I have [chemistry] [tomorrow]. ❋ Fmm88 (2010)
«[hey] bold» ❋ Gouldingrangers08 (2008)
[You’re a] [bold] one, [General Kenobi] ❋ Representative Binks (2018)
Me: I need some [tips] so im not alone my whole life
[Reagan]: be [BOLD] ❋ I Like Avocados (2019)
I’d [highkey] smash is sum [yu] would say if [you was] bold ❋ Apaaaw (2020)
Other forms: bolder; boldest; bolds
Someone who’s bold is daring and brave. You might show how bold you are by climbing onto the roof of your house, or by speaking up when you see someone being treated unfairly.
When you act in a bold way, you’re taking some kind of risk; you could be risking physical danger, embarrassment, or your reputation. Whatever bold actions you take, they are confident and fearless. The adjective bold can also be used to describe a particular typeface that is thick, dark, and confident. Bold type is usually used to emphasize something strongly in writing.
Definitions of bold
-
adjective
fearless and daring
“bold settlers on some foreign shore”
“a
bold speech”“a
bold adventure”-
Synonyms:
-
adventuresome, adventurous
willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises
-
fearless, unafraid
oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
-
forward
used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty
-
audacious, brave, dauntless, fearless, hardy, intrepid, unfearing
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
-
daredevil, temerarious
presumptuously daring
-
emboldened
made bold or courageous
-
foolhardy, heady, rash, reckless
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
-
heroic, heroical
having or displaying qualities appropriate for heroes
-
nervy
showing or requiring courage and contempt of danger
-
overreaching, vaulting
revealing excessive self-confidence; reaching for the heights
-
overvaliant
having or showing undue valor or boldness
-
brave, courageous
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
-
adventuresome, adventurous
-
adjective
clear and distinct
“bold handwriting”
“a figure carved in
bold relief”“a
bold design”-
Synonyms:
-
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
-
conspicuous
-
noun
a typeface with thick heavy lines
-
adjective
very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front
“where the
bold chalk cliffs of England rise”-
synonyms:
bluff, sheer
-
steep
having a sharp inclination
-
steep
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘bold’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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- Inflections of ‘bold‘ (adj):
-
- bolder
- adj comparative
-
- boldest
- adj superlative
WordReference Random House Learner’s Dictionary of American English © 2023
bold /boʊld/USA pronunciation
adj., -er, -est.
- unafraid in the face of danger;
courageous:bold and daring pilots. - ignoring good manners by not showing respect;
impudent:a bold child who always talks back to her parents. - finding new solutions;
inventive or imaginative:a bold solution to a perplexing problem. - very bright or very dark;
striking to the eye;
flashy;
showy:a shirt with a bold pattern.
bold•ly, adv.: They boldly went where no one had gone before.
bold•ness, n. [uncountable][Enough of your boldness* go to your room!]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2023
bold
(bōld),USA pronunciation adj., -er, -est.
- not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff;
courageous and daring:a bold hero. - not hesitating to break the rules of propriety;
forward;
impudent:He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor. - necessitating courage and daring;
challenging:a bold adventure. - beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action;
imaginative:Einstein was a bold mathematician. a difficult problem needing a bold answer. - striking or conspicuous to the eye;
flashy;
showy:a bold pattern. - steep;
abrupt:a bold promontory. - Nautical, Naval Termsdeep enough to be navigable close to the shore:bold waters.
- Printingtypeset in boldface.
- [Obs.]trusting;
assured. - Idioms make bold, to presume or venture;
dare:I made bold to offer my suggestion.
- *bal-ko-
- Gmc *bál-tha-z; akin to Welsh balch proud, Irish balc strong
- bef. 1000; Middle English bald, bold, Old English b(e)ald; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German bald, Dutch boud bold, Old Norse ballr dire
bold′ly, adv.
bold′ness, n.
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged fearless, adventurous, brave, valiant, intrepid, valorous, dauntless.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged Bold, brazen, forward, presumptuous may refer to manners in a derogatory way.
Bold suggests impudence, shamelessness, and immodesty:a bold stare.Brazen suggests the same, together with a defiant manner:a brazen liar.Forward implies making oneself unduly prominent or bringing oneself to notice with too much assurance.
Presumptuous implies overconfidence, effrontery, taking too much for granted.
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged modest.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
bold /bəʊld/ adj
- courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks
- showing or requiring courage: a bold plan
- immodest or impudent: she gave him a bold look
- standing out distinctly; conspicuous: a figure carved in bold relief
- very steep: the bold face of the cliff
- imaginative in thought or expression
Etymology: Old English beald; related to Old Norse ballr dangerous, terrible, baldinn defiant, Old High German bald bold
ˈboldly adv ˈboldness n
‘bold‘ also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
- Top Definitions
- Synonyms
- Quiz
- Related Content
- Examples
- British
- Idioms And Phrases
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.
adjective, bold·er, bold·est.
not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; impudent: He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor.
necessitating courage and daring; challenging: a bold adventure.
beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action; imaginative: Einstein was a bold mathematician.a difficult problem needing a bold answer.
striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy: a bold pattern.
Nautical. deep enough to be navigable close to the shore: bold waters.
Obsolete. trusting; assured.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Which sentence is correct?
Idioms about bold
be / make (so) bold, to presume or venture; dare: I made bold to offer my suggestion.
Origin of bold
First recorded before 1000; Middle English bald, bold, Old English b(e)ald; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German bald, Dutch boud “bold,” Old Norse ballr “dire,” from unattested Germanic bálthaz; akin to Welsh balch “proud,” Irish balc “strong”
synonym study for bold
2. Bold, brazen, forward, presumptuous may refer to manners in a derogatory way. Bold suggests impudence, shamelessness, and immodesty: a bold stare. Brazen suggests the same, together with a defiant manner: a brazen liar. Forward implies making oneself unduly prominent or bringing oneself to notice with too much assurance. Presumptuous implies overconfidence, effrontery, taking too much for granted.
OTHER WORDS FROM bold
bold·ly, adverbbold·ness, nouno·ver·bold, adjectivesu·per·bold, adjective
un·bold, adjective
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH bold
bolder , boulder
Words nearby bold
bola, Boland, Bolan Pass, bolar, bolas, bold, bold as brass, Bolden, boldface, bold-faced, boldhearted
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Words related to bold
adventurous, audacious, courageous, daring, fearless, heroic, resolute, brash, gutsy, smart, clear, colorful, definite, eye-catching, flashy, forceful, lively, loud, spirited, strong
How to use bold in a sentence
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We need bolder action by policymakers to encourage investors.
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Searching for such cues may incite children to be bolder in using their eyes to explore what’s around them.
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Meanwhile, countries such as Brazil, which have seen emissions climb despite promises to scale them back, would need bolder action to make up for lost time.
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Public parks have grown so important during the pandemic that planners are suggesting bold renovations.
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“Our nation is struggling, the virus is still not contained, and the American people are counting on Congress to meet this moment with bold, immediate action,” Neal said in a statement.
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The well, ghost or no ghost, is certainly a piece of history with a bold presence.
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Or bold stands that may not preserve our security today or tomorrow, but keep our principles safely intact?
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Then, under the bold headline “Rebooting Spider-Man,” Robinov describes a broad vision for the future of the franchise.
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The 2014 election was a wipeout, progressives say, because Democrats lacked a bold economic message to inspire voters.
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The declaration adopted by the meeting was a bold step, but it did not a revolution make.
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Then Paterno adroitly brought matters to a crisis in a bold peroration which changed the whole scene.
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M was a Miser, and hoarded up gold; N was a Nobleman, gallant and bold.
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If we had shot ’em without discrimination, the cowards would have got bold, seein’ that they weren’t safer in rear than in front.
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She also played his Fourteenth Rhapsody with orchestral accompaniment in most bold and dashing style.
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There are some bold hights dignified as mountains below Coblentz, but the finest of the scenery is above.
British Dictionary definitions for bold
adjective
courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks
showing or requiring couragea bold plan
immodest or impudentshe gave him a bold look
standing out distinctly; conspicuousa figure carved in bold relief
very steepthe bold face of the cliff
imaginative in thought or expressionthe novel’s bold plot
printing set in bold face
noun
Derived forms of bold
boldly, adverbboldness, noun
Word Origin for bold
Old English beald; related to Old Norse ballr dangerous, terrible, baldinn defiant, Old High German bald bold
Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with bold
In addition to the idiom beginning with bold
- bold as brass
also see:
- big and bold
- make bold
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
What does the word bold mean?
not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero. not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; impudent: He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor. necessitating courage and daring; challenging: a bold adventure.
What is the meaning of bold action?
When you act in a bold way, you’re taking some kind of risk; you could be risking physical danger, embarrassment, or your reputation. Whatever bold actions you take, they are confident and fearless. The adjective bold can also be used to describe a particular typeface that is thick, dark, and confident.
What does bold man mean?
Bold is defined as free in behavior, or prominent. A person who is not afraid to speak up for what he believes, even to people with more power than him, is an example of someone who is bold. A child who is too confident and arrogant as a result of being spoiled is an example of a child who is overly bold.
What does a bold look mean?
1 courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks. 2 showing or requiring courage. a bold plan. 3 immodest or impudent. she gave him a bold look.
Is Boldly a word?
Meaning of boldly in English. in a brave and confident way, without showing any fear: He advanced boldly and knocked on the door./span>
Is Bole a word?
bole n. The trunk or stem of a tree./span>
What does Bole mean in English?
Definitions of bole. noun. the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber. synonyms: tree trunk, trunk.
Is Bole a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, bole is in the scrabble dictionary.
Is Cole a Scrabble word?
Yes, cole is in the scrabble dictionary.
Is ET a Scrabble word?
Yes, et is in the scrabble dictionary.
Is ET a real word?
Et is Latin as is defined as «and.» An example of the use of et as a conjunction is in the saying «et. all» which means and others.
What does Turk mean in English?
1 : a native or inhabitant of Turkey. 2 : a member of any of numerous Asian peoples speaking Turkic languages who live in a region extending from the Balkans to eastern Siberia and western China. 3 : muslim specifically : a Muslim subject of the Turkish sultan.
What is a Turk in slang?
«Turk» has been used in the US as slang for a person of Irish birth or descent since at least 1914, while the form «turkey» in the same sense is first found in the 1930s.
Is Turk valid in Scrabble?
Yes, turk is in the scrabble dictionary.
Is TIRL a Scrabble word?
Yes, tirl is in the scrabble dictionary.
Is Turk a proper noun?
Proper nounEdit A Turk is someone who is from Turkey or someone who is part of the Turkic ethnic groups.
How do you spell Turk?
Correct spelling for the English word «turk» is [tˈɜːk], [tˈɜːk], [t_ˈɜː_k] (IPA phonetic alphabet)….Similar spelling words for TURK
- turkey,
- tuareg,
- Turck,
- turki,
- turek,
- turakoo.
Where does the word Turk come from?
The Chinese Book of Zhou (7th century) presents an etymology of the name Turk as derived from «helmet», explaining that this name comes from the shape of a mountain where they worked in the Altai Mountains.
What does the work Turk means in old Turkish?
Late Middle English: via Old French from Turkish türk; c. … Said to mean «strength» in Turkish. Compare Chinese tu-kin, recorded from c. 177 B.C.E. as the name of a people living south of the Altai Mountains (identified by some with the Huns).
Why is Constantinople now called Istanbul?
Why It Is Istanbul, Not Constantinople In 330, Roman emperor Constantine moved the eastern capital of the Roman Empire to the Greek colony then known as Byzantine. … In the 1930’s the Turkish Postal Service created a law officially declaring the sole name be Istanbul.
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Financial, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
bold
brave, fearless, adventurous, valiant, brazen: She’s bold and flashy.
Not to be confused with:
bowled – past tense of bowl: She bowled a good game.
Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree
bold
(bōld)
adj. bold·er, bold·est
1.
a. Fearless and daring; courageous: a bold leader.
b. Requiring or exhibiting courage or daring: a bold voyage to unknown lands. See Synonyms at brave.
2. Unduly forward and brazen; impudent: a bold, sassy child.
3. Strikingly different or unconventional; arresting or provocative: «[He] laid out a bold, new vision for America’s leading universities» (Jerome Karabel).
4.
a. Clear and distinct to the eye; conspicuous: bold colors; a bold pattern.
b. Strong or pronounced; prominent: the bold flavor of ginger.
5. Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain: «The two walk along the high, bold, rocky shore» (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
6. Printing Boldface.
bold′ly adv.
bold′ness n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
bold
(bəʊld)
adj
1. courageous, confident, and fearless; ready to take risks
2. showing or requiring courage: a bold plan.
3. immodest or impudent: she gave him a bold look.
4. standing out distinctly; conspicuous: a figure carved in bold relief.
5. very steep: the bold face of the cliff.
6. imaginative in thought or expression: the novel’s bold plot.
7. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) printing set in bold face
n
(Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) printing short for bold face
[Old English beald; related to Old Norse ballr dangerous, terrible, baldinn defiant, Old High German bald bold]
ˈboldly adv
ˈboldness n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
bold
(boʊld)
adj. -er, -est.
1. not hesitating or fearful in the face of danger; courageous.
2. scorning or ignoring the rules of propriety; forward; impudent.
3. requiring courage and daring: bold deeds.
4. beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action; inventive or imaginative: a bold solution to a perplexing problem.
5. striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy: a bold pattern.
6. steep; abrupt: a bold promontory.
7. typeset in boldface.
8. Obs. trusting; assured.
[before 1000; Middle English bald, bold, Old English b(e)ald; c. Old Saxon, Old High German bald, Old Norse ballr dire]
bold′ly, adv.
bold′ness, n.
syn: bold, brazen, forward, presumptuous refer to behavior or manners that break the rules of propriety. bold suggests shamelessness and immodesty: a bold stare. brazen suggests the same, together with a defiant manner: a brazen liar. forward implies making oneself unduly prominent or bringing oneself to notice with too much assurance: The forward young man challenged the speaker. presumptuous implies overconfidence, or taking too much for granted: It was presumptuous of her to think she could defeat the champion.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  bold — a typeface with thick heavy lines
bold face, boldface font, fount, typeface, face, case — a specific size and style of type within a type family |
| Adj. | 1. | bold — fearless and daring; «bold settlers on some foreign shore»; «a bold speech»; «a bold adventure»
adventuresome, adventurous — willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises; «adventurous pioneers»; «the risks and gains of an adventuresome economy» fearless, unafraid — oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them forward — used of temperament or behavior; lacking restraint or modesty; «a forward child badly in need of discipline» brave, courageous — possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching; «Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring»- Herman Melville; «a frank courageous heart…triumphed over pain»- William Wordsworth; «set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory» timid — showing fear and lack of confidence |
| 2. | bold — clear and distinct; «bold handwriting»; «a figure carved in bold relief»; «a bold design»
conspicuous — obvious to the eye or mind; «a tower conspicuous at a great distance»; «wore conspicuous neckties»; «made herself conspicuous by her exhibitionistic preening» |
|
| 3. | bold — very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front; «a bluff headland»; «where the bold chalk cliffs of England rise»; «a sheer descent of rock»
bluff, sheer steep — having a sharp inclination; «the steep attic stairs»; «steep cliffs» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
bold
adjective
1. fearless, enterprising, brave, daring, heroic, adventurous, courageous, gritty, gallant, gutsy (slang), audacious, intrepid, valiant, plucky, undaunted, unafraid, unflinching, dauntless, ballsy (taboo slang), lion-hearted, valorous She becomes a bold, daring rebel.
fearless fearful, cowardly, timid, timorous, faint-hearted
2. impudent, forward, fresh (informal), confident, rude, cheeky, brash, feisty (informal, chiefly U.S. & Canad.), saucy, pushy (informal), brazen, in-your-face (Brit. slang), shameless, sassy (U.S. informal), unabashed, pert, insolent, barefaced, spirited, forceful Men do not like girls who are too bold.
impudent conservative, retiring, modest, shy, polite, courteous, meek, tactful
3. bright, conspicuous, strong, striking, loud, prominent, lively, pronounced, colourful, vivid, flashy, eye-catching, salient, showy bold, dramatic colours
bright soft, pale, dull
4. heavy, clear, thick, distinct, pronounced It’s a big book with bold print.
Quotations
«Bold knaves thrive without one grain of sense,»
«But good men starve for want of impudence» [John Dryden Constantine the Great]
Proverbs
«The bold are always lucky»
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
bold
adjective
1. Taking or willing to take risks:
2. Having or showing courage:
audacious, brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, fearless, fortitudinous, gallant, game, hardy, heroic, intrepid, mettlesome, plucky, stout, stouthearted, unafraid, undaunted, valiant, valorous.
3. Rude and disrespectful:
assuming, assumptive, audacious, boldfaced, brash, brazen, cheeky, contumelious, familiar, forward, impertinent, impudent, insolent, malapert, nervy, overconfident, pert, presuming, presumptuous, pushy, sassy, saucy, smart.
4. Readily attracting notice:
arresting, conspicuous, eye-catching, marked, noticeable, observable, outstanding, pointed, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, salient, signal, striking.
Idiom: sticking out like a sore thumb.
5. So sharply inclined as to be almost perpendicular:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
بارِزٌ وَواضِحٌجَريء، جَسورواضِحٌ
smělýtroufalýtučnývýraznýdrzý
dristigfedhalvfed skrift som «like this»livligmodig
hrabarodvažan
bátorfélkövérkövér
áberandifeitletraîurhugaîur, djarfur
akiplėšiškasdrąsadrąsiairyškus
drosmīgsizceltspārdrošsskaidri iezīmētsskaidrs
polotučný
smel
fetmodig
bold
[bəʊld]
A. ADJ (bolder (compar) (boldest (superl)))
1. (= brave) [person, attempt, plan] → atrevido, audaz
3. (= striking) [colour, clothes, design] → llamativo; [brush stroke, handwriting, move] → enérgico; [shape, relief, contrast] → marcado
C. CPD bold type N → negrita f
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
bold
[ˈbəʊld]
adj
(= fearless) [person] → hardi(e), intrépide
if I may be so bold (= if you don’t mind my asking) → si je peux me permettre
[move, reform] → audacieux/euse
(= impudent) (pejorative) → effronté(e)
[colour] → vif(vive); [pattern] → voyant(e)
[handwriting] → assuré(e)
n
in bold (TYPOGRAPHY) (type, text) → en gras
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
bold
adj (+er)
(= impudent, forward) → unverfroren, dreist; to be or make so bold as to … → sich (dat) → erlauben, zu …, sich erkühnen, zu … (geh); might I be so bold as to …? → wenn ich es mir erlauben darf, zu …?; might I make so bold as to help myself? → darf ich so frei sein und mich bedienen?; to make bold with something → sich (dat) → die Freiheit herausnehmen, sich bei etw einfach zu bedienen; as bold as brass (inf) → rotzfrech (inf)
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
bold
[bəʊld] adj
a. (brave, person, attempt) → audace (fig) (plan, move) → ardito/a
b. (forward, child, remark) → sfacciato/a, sfrontato/a
c. (striking, line, pattern) → vistoso/a, che salta all’occhio; (colour) → deciso/a
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
bold
(bəuld) adjective
1. daring or fearless. a bold plan of attack.
2. striking and well-marked. a dress with bold stripes.
3. (of type) thick and clear, like this.
ˈboldly adverbˈboldness nounbold as brass
very cheeky. She walked in late as bold as brass.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
Mentioned in
?
- adventuresome
- adventurous
- aggressiveness
- audacious
- bardy
- bare-faced
- bluff
- Bluffy
- bodacious
- bodaciously
- bold face
- bold type
- bolder
- boldface
- boldfaced
- bold-faced
- boldly
- boldness
References in classic literature
?
Therefore we see it hath done wonders, in popular states; but with senates, and princes less; and more ever upon the first entrance of bold persons into action, than soon after; for boldness is an ill keeper of promise.
Over these mysterious figures was written, in large letters, “The Templeton Coffee-house, and Traveller’s Hotel,” and beneath them, “By Habakkuk Foote and Joshua Knapp.” This was a fearful rival to the” Bold Dragoon,” as our readers will the more readily perceive when we add that the same sonorous names were to be seen over a newly erected store in the village, a hatter’s shop, and the gates of a tan-yard.
Mouth of the Columbia.- The Native Tribes.- Their Fishing.- Their Canoes.- Bold Navigators- Equestrian Indians and Piscatory Indians, Difference in Their Physical Organization.- Search for a Trading Site.
So thus they went in threescore companies of five to Sherwood Forest, to take Robin Hood, each constable wishing that he might be the one to find the bold outlaw, or at least one of his band.
But he grew old — This knight so bold — And o’er his heart a shadow Fell, as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado.
A HUNTER, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a Lion.
Anna Pavlovna whispered the next words in advance, like an old woman muttering the prayer at Communion: «Let the bold and insolent Goliath…» she whispered.
The bold attempt had miscarried by a fortuitous circumstance; and unless by some exceptional event, they could now never reach the moon’s disc.
But there were others who saw, and now and again, glancing at those about him, he noted two young girls who looked back from the row in front, a dozen seats along, and who smiled at him with bold eyes.
And yet William the Red, and Henry, his second and third brothers, were successively preferred to him by the voice of the nation, Robert had every merit which can be pleaded for Richard; he was a bold knight, a good leader, generous to his friends and to the church, and, to crown the whole, a crusader and a conqueror of the Holy Sepulchre; and yet he died a blind and miserable prisoner in the Castle of Cardiff, because he opposed himself to the will of the people, who chose that he should not rule over them.
We can imagine the start of surprise felt by each of these bold fellows upon seeing the other in such strange company.
But in the western or black chamber the effect of the fire-light that streamed upon the dark hangings through the blood-tinted panes, was ghastly in the extreme, and produced so wild a look upon the countenances of those who entered, that there were few of the company bold enough to set foot within its precincts at all.
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