temerity
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of temerity
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English temeryte, from Latin temeritās “hap, chance, rashness,” equivalent to temer(e) “by chance, rashly” + -itās -ity
Explanation
Use the noun temerity to mean the quality of being unafraid of danger or punishment. If you have the temerity to jump off the bridge even after hearing about the risk of instant death, you truly are a nutcase. Someone who has the temerity to do something is usually considered to be bold in a foolish way. Near synonyms are audacity and recklessness. Temerity is from Middle English temeryte, from Latin temeritas, from temere "by chance, rashly."
Vocabulary lists containing temerity
To Kill a Mockingbird
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25
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Their Eyes Were Watching God
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The continued investment at Aspen Highlands, including the opening of all of Highland Bowl and the new Deep Temerity lift is paying off.
From Time Magazine Archive
Sixty percent of the mountain will open, including Temerity, most of Steeplechase, runs in Olympic Bowl and most of the mid mountain intermediate and beginner runs.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Temerity" under Hutchins, Mr. Editor, would have to be made of more audacious stuff than my mild brand of candor.
From Time Magazine Archive
The new Deep Temerity lift will be a fixed grip triple chair, covering 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes.
From Time Magazine Archive
Full advantage should be taken of the facilities provided by the use of practical workshop courses in Latin American pioneering at the International School at Temerity Ranch.
From Citadel of Faith by Shoghi Effendi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
