audacity
Audacity (noun) means shocking boldness or nerve, especially when it disregards normal limits or manners. Example: “She had the audacity to ask for a refund after wearing the dress to a party.”
How to use audacity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBold nerve — often used disapprovingly, as in "the audacity to..."
In everyday speech, audacity is almost always negative ("the sheer audacity of it"), even though the word itself can be neutral or admiring.
Word forms
audacities plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had the _____ to ask for a refund after wearing the dress to a party.
Etymology
From Latin audacia, "boldness," from audax, "bold."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for audacity
See all rhymes for audacity →Frequently asked questions
What does “audacity” mean?
The word “audacity” means shocking boldness or nerve, especially when it disregards normal limits or manners. In plain terms, bold nerve — often used disapprovingly, as in "the audacity to...".
How do you pronounce “audacity”?
“Audacity” is pronounced aw-DA-sih-tee (/ɔˈdæ.sɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “audacity” in a sentence?
Here is “audacity” used in a sentence: “She had the audacity to ask for a refund after wearing the dress to a party.”
What part of speech is “audacity”?
“Audacity” is a noun.
Where does the word “audacity” come from?
The word “audacity” comes from Latin. From Latin audacia, "boldness," from audax, "bold.".
Is “audacity” a common word?
“Audacity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “audacity” have?
“Audacity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shocking boldness or nerve, especially when it disregards normal limits or manners.