audacity

/ɔːˈdæsəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ɔːˈdæsəti/ (ame, ipa) · /ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē/ (ame, mw)

audacity — noun

1. A kind of bold behavior that crosses a social line and makes other people feel s

1.名詞C2
釋義

A kind of bold behavior that crosses a social line and makes other people feel shocked, insulted, or offended.

例句

The committee was stunned by Hari's audacity in blaming the interns for his error.

pattern: audacity in + verb-ing

It took real audacity to demand a refund after breaking the vase yourself.

pattern: audacity to + verb

同義詞
  • nerve

    More common in everyday speech and often shows annoyance at someone's behavior.

  • gall

    Stronger and more disapproving, especially when the action feels shameless.

  • cheek

    British and slightly lighter; can sound playful as well as rude.

反義詞
  • restraint

    Emphasizes holding yourself back instead of crossing social limits.

  • respect

    Focuses on showing proper regard for other people and rules.

文法句型

have the audacity to + verb

the audacity of + noun/verb-ing

用法筆記

Often used when someone says or does something offensive without shame, especially in the pattern 'have the audacity to + verb'. Distinguish from sense 2, which admires brave risk-taking instead of criticizing nerve.

常見錯誤

❌He was audacity to interrupt the judge.
✅He had the audacity to interrupt the judge.
💡Use the noun with 'have', not directly after 'be'.
❌It was an audacity plan.
✅It was an audacious plan.
💡Use 'audacious' as the adjective before a noun.

2. The courage to take striking risks or attempt something difficult in a way that

2.名詞C2
釋義

The courage to take striking risks or attempt something difficult in a way that people admire rather than condemn.

例句

The novel's audacity came from killing its hero in the first chapter.

figurative: bold artistic choice

Valentina admired the climber's audacity while watching the solo crossing.

同義詞
  • boldness

    Broader and more neutral; it does not always suggest a striking risk.

  • daring

    Close in meaning, especially for risky action, but less formal than 'audacity'.

  • courage

    Highlights bravery in general, not specifically the willingness to attempt something startling.

反義詞
  • timidity

    Suggests a lack of confidence to take risks or act boldly.

  • caution

    Emphasizes careful avoidance of risk rather than daring action.

文法句型

audacity in + verb-ing

someone's audacity in + noun/verb-ing

用法筆記

Common in writing about art, politics, and leadership when bold action is presented as admirable. Distinguish from sense 1, which suggests the boldness breaks social rules and deserves criticism.

常見錯誤

❌The startup's audacity was rude to investors.
✅The startup's audacity impressed investors.
💡This sense is positive, so use it where the boldness is admired.
❌She had audacity for launch the program early.
✅She had the audacity to launch the program early.' or 'Her audacity in launching the program early paid off.
💡Use either 'have the audacity to' or 'audacity in + -ing'.