temerity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “temerity” mean?
Rash or bold behavior that shows a lack of respect or caution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Rash or bold behavior that shows a lack of respect or caution.
Often implies foolish or excessive boldness, especially in situations where it is inappropriate or disrespectful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same negative connotation of rash boldness.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, more common in formal, literary, or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “temerity” in a Sentence
have the temerity to + verbshow temerity in + noun phraseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temerity” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He acted temerariously by investing without research.
American English
- She spoke temerariously during the sensitive negotiation.
adjective
British English
- His temerarious decision to climb the mountain alone was dangerous.
American English
- Her temerarious approach to the project ignored all warnings.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in formal critiques or discussions of risk-taking behavior.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical texts, or philosophical discussions to describe character actions or decisions.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech; more likely in written or formal spoken English.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temerity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temerity”
- Using 'temerity' to mean simple courage without the negative aspect.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈtemərɪti/ instead of the correct /tɪˈmɛrɪti/ or /təˈmɛrəti/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally negative, implying rash or foolish boldness that shows a lack of respect.
It is more common in formal or literary contexts and rare in casual speech, so it might sound unnatural in everyday conversation.
Both mean boldness, but 'temerity' often implies more rashness or lack of forethought, while 'audacity' can imply daring or impudence with a slightly broader usage.
In British English, it is pronounced /tɪˈmɛrɪti/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Rash or bold behavior that shows a lack of respect or caution.
Temerity is usually formal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'temerity' as 'te-mer-ity' – imagine someone being 'too merry' and bold in a serious situation, which is rash.
Conceptual Metaphor
Boldness as a transgression or breach of boundaries, often social or hierarchical.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'temerity' most closely mean?