temerity
Americannoun
noun
Other Word 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 new Deep Temerity lift will be a fixed grip triple chair, covering 1,700 vertical feet in 7.3 minutes.
From Time Magazine Archive
Aspen/Snowmass Village, Colo., March 29, 2005 � Preparations are under way now for the new Deep Temerity lift at Aspen Highlands.
From Time Magazine Archive
The new Deep Temerity lift and terrain will open for the 2005-06 season.
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
Temerity has already been punished for the attempt.
From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 56, Number 350, December 1844 by Various
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.
