bold
0 antonyms and opposites of bold, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Willing to take risks; confident and daring.
How to use bold
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English bald/beald, meaning brave or confident, going back to a very old Germanic root shared with Dutch boud and Swedish båld.
Full origin of bold →Frequently asked questions
What does “bold” mean?
The word “bold” means willing to take risks; confident and daring. In plain terms, either confident and daring, or (for text) printed in a thicker, darker style.
How do you pronounce “bold”?
“Bold” is pronounced BOHLD (/boʊld/ in IPA).
How do you use “bold” in a sentence?
Here is “bold” used in a sentence: “It was a bold move to quit her job without another lined up.”
What is another word for “bold”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bold” include embolden.
What part of speech is “bold”?
Depending on how it is used, “bold” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “bold” come from?
The word “bold” comes from Old English. From Old English bald/beald, meaning brave or confident, going back to a very old Germanic root shared with Dutch boud and Swedish båld.
Is “bold” a common word?
“Bold” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bold” have?
“Bold” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: willing to take risks; confident and daring.
What is the difference between "bold" and "brave"?
"Brave" emphasizes facing danger or fear with courage, while "bold" stresses confidence and a willingness to take risks, sometimes to the point of being daring or forward. A brave act meets danger, while a bold one shows nerve and initiative.
What is the difference between "bold" and "rude"?
Being "bold" means being confident and daring, which is usually viewed positively, while "rude" means lacking manners or being offensive. A bold remark shows nerve, whereas a rude one shows disrespect.
When should you use "bold" instead of "daring"?
Use "bold" for general confidence and a readiness to take risks, and "daring" when you want to stress boldness in the face of real danger or convention. "Daring" carries a slightly stronger sense of pushing limits.