dari
B1Neutral to formal; 'dare' in negative/interrogative contexts is neutral/common; 'I dare say' is a fixed phrase (slightly formal/British).
Definition
Meaning
To have the courage or audacity to do something challenging, risky, or forbidden.
To challenge or provoke someone to do something as a test of courage; to confront or brave a difficult situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used as a main verb (I dared to protest) and a modal verb (Dare we ask?/He daren't go). As a modal, it lacks -s in 3rd person singular and often takes a bare infinitive without 'to'. Often implies an element of challenge or risk. Noun form (a dare) refers to the act of challenging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Modal use (e.g., 'daren't', 'Dare I?') is more common in British English. American English strongly prefers 'don't/doesn't dare to' over 'daren't'. The phrase 'I dare say' (meaning 'I suppose') is primarily British.
Connotations
Similar core meaning. The modal use in BrE can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary to AmE ears.
Frequency
More frequent in British English, especially in its modal forms and fixed phrases.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (He dared a protest.)SV to-inf (She dared to disagree.)SV bare inf (modal) (I daren't move.)SV O to-inf (They dared him to jump.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't you dare!”
- “How dare you?”
- “I dare say”
- “Double dare (you)”
- “A daredevil”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of innovation: 'Few dared to challenge the market leader.'
Academic
Used in rhetorical or analytical contexts: 'The author dares to question long-held assumptions.'
Everyday
Common in challenges, warnings, and expressions of indignation: 'I dare you to tell her.' 'How dare you speak to me like that!'
Technical
Very rare.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She daren't tell her parents the truth.
- Dare I suggest another option?
- He was dared to run across the cricket pitch.
American English
- She doesn't dare tell her parents the truth.
- Would I dare to suggest another option?
- He was dared to run across the baseball field.
adjective
British English
- A dare attempt to climb the old tower ended badly. (rare, as participle adjective)
American English
- A dare attempt to climb the old tower ended badly. (rare, as participle adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I dare not go outside in the dark.
- Do you dare to jump in the pool?
- He didn't dare to ask for a day off.
- How dare you open my letters!
- Few politicians dare to oppose the popular measure.
- She dared him to prove his claim in front of everyone.
- I dare say the results will be inconclusive, given the flawed methodology.
- Emboldened, he dared the very limits of the law.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DARing person doing something bold – they DARE to do it.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS FACING DANGER (daring to look danger in the face); A CHALLENGE IS A THROWN OBJECT (I dare you / he threw down a dare).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing 'dare' (сметь, осмеливаться) with 'challenge' (вызывать) when 'challenge' is simply an invitation to compete. 'Dare' implies risk or defiance.
- The phrase 'How dare you!' translates to 'Как ты смеешь!', not a literal 'how' question.
Common Mistakes
- *He dares going -> He dares to go / He dare go (modal).
- Using 'to' unnecessarily with modal form: *I daren't to go -> I daren't go.
- Overusing the noun 'a dare' in formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'dare' as a modal verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very rarely. Americans almost always use 'don't/doesn't dare (to)'.
They are the same fixed phrase meaning 'I suppose' or 'probably'. 'I daresay' is the common single-word form in writing.
No, standard grammar requires an infinitive. After the main verb 'dare' use 'to + verb' (or bare infinitive in some constructions). After modal 'dare', use the bare infinitive.
It is a noun, meaning a challenge to do something bold or risky.