English Explanatory Dictionary

temerity

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Reckless boldness; foolish bravery.
  2. An act or case of reckless boldness.
  3. Effrontery; impudence.

Pronunciation

/tɪˈmɛɹ.ɪ.ti/ /təˈmɛɹ.ɪ.ti/ /təˈmɛɹ.ə.ti/ en-us-temerity.ogg /ˈʈɛmərɪʈi/ /ʈɪməˈrɪʈi/

Word forms

temerity temerities timerity

Etymology

From Middle English temerite, temeryte, from Old French temerité, from Latin temeritās (“chance, accident, rashness”), from temere (“by chance, casually, rashly”). By surface analysis, temer(arious) + -ity.

Synonyms

audacity foolhardiness rashness recklessness brashness cheek gall chutzpah

Related words

temerarious intemerate temerary temeration

Derived words

temeritous
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