temerity
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- temerarious adjective
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.
It is reprisal and revenge against a group that had the temerity to oppose hate wherever it originates.
From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026
The authors have the temerity to report that urban community gardens, those itty-bitty lots where neighbors grow snap peas and the like, don’t amount to a hill of beans.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
This has created what McElligott described as an asymmetric opportunity for any investor with the temerity to bet on a big rebound.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026
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
Four times I was honked at for having the temerity to proceed through town without benefit of metal.
From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
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.
