audacious
UK: ɔːˈdeɪʃəs | US: ɔːˈdeɪʃəs
adj. showing a willingness to take bold risks; fearless
adj. showing an impudent lack of respect
audac<bold> + ious<adjective suffix>
- audac: From Latin audax (bold, daring), derived from audere (to dare).
- ious: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of."
Etymology Origin:
The word audacious traces back to the Latin audax, meaning "bold" or "daring," which itself comes from audere (to dare). The suffix -ious was added in Middle English to form an adjective meaning "full of boldness." Over time, the word evolved to describe both fearless courage and, in some contexts, impudent disrespect—highlighting how boldness can be perceived positively or negatively depending on context.
The audacious plan to climb the mountain without ropes amazed everyone.
Her audacious remarks during the meeting shocked the conservative board members.
The thief made an audacious attempt to steal the painting in broad daylight.
His audacious style of leadership inspired both admiration and criticism.
The audacious teenager challenged the teacher’s authority in front of the class.