bolden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “bolden” mean?
To make something or someone bolder, more courageous, or more prominent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make something or someone bolder, more courageous, or more prominent.
To give greater emphasis, strength, or visual impact; to embolden or enhance the appearance of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British English in figurative use ('bolden one's resolve'). In American English, 'embolden' is often preferred for the figurative sense.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries a formal or technical tone. In design contexts, it's neutral and functional.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech. More frequent in written technical manuals (graphic design, word processing) and literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “bolden” in a Sentence
[Subject] boldens [Object] (e.g., The speech boldened the team.)[Subject] is boldened by [Agent] (e.g., She was boldened by their support.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolden” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor asked to bolden the subheadings for clarity.
- Their success boldened the committee to take greater risks.
American English
- You need to bolden the titles in the presentation.
- The positive feedback boldened her to apply for the promotion.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in design briefs: 'Please bolden the key metrics in the report.'
Academic
Rare. Possible in literary analysis: 'The experience boldened the protagonist's defiance.'
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly in instructions for software: 'How do I bolden a word here?'
Technical
Most common. Used in graphic design, typography, and UI/UX contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bolden”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bolden”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolden”
- Using 'bolden' intransitively (e.g., 'He boldened' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'bolden' (to make bold) with 'embolden' (to give courage) – they overlap but 'embolden' is more common for people.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard, though low-frequency, verb meaning 'to make bold'.
They are largely synonymous. 'Embolden' is more common, especially for giving courage to people. 'Bolden' is often used in technical/design contexts for visual emphasis.
Yes, but it's formal/literary. 'The victory boldened the troops' is correct, though 'emboldened' is more frequent.
It is used as a transitive verb: 'Select the text and click the 'B' icon to bolden it.'
To make something or someone bolder, more courageous, or more prominent.
Bolden is usually formal/literary in register.
Bolden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊldən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊldən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'bolden'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BOLD + EN (like 'to make'). To 'bolden' text is to MAKE it BOLD. To 'bolden' someone is to MAKE them BOLD.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS VISIBLE PROMINENCE (e.g., 'boldening one's stance' makes one's position more visible/strong).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bolden' MOST commonly used?