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.
And she was never shy of questioning the very temerity of your questions, secure in her own power and authority despite not being adored by all Scottish voters.
From BBC ● May 31, 2026
It is reprisal and revenge against a group that had the temerity to oppose hate wherever it originates.
From Salon ● Apr. 22, 2026
Nora can’t believe he has the temerity to ask her to star in his next work after many years of estrangement.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2025
How many generals and admirals in the audience were appalled that this talk show host and former major in the National Guard had the temerity to sneer at experienced combat commanders?
From Slate ● Sep. 30, 2025
Cumulus even had the temerity to wave Root’s sarcasm aside.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
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.
