bold

bold · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Showing courage and willingness to take risks; confident and fearless.

  2. 2.

    (Of a person or manner) so confident as to be impudent or presumptuous.

  3. 3.

    (Of a color, design, or shape) having a strong, vivid, or clear appearance.

  4. 4.

    (Typography) Having thick, heavy strokes; printed in a heavier weight than normal.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    be so bold as to — to dare to do something, often used ironically
  • •
    bold as brass — very confident and not afraid to say what you think
  • •
    fortune favors the bold — success comes to those who take risks
  • •
    make a bold move — to take a daring action

Related words

Antonyms: cowardly, meek, shy, timid
See also: audacious, brave, courageous, daring
Synonyms: audacious, brave, courageous, daring, fearless

Etymology

From Old English bald meaning "brave, confident, strong," from Proto-Germanic balþaz ("bold, brave"). Cognate with Old High German bald ("bold, brave") and Old Norse ballr ("bold, dangerous").