bold

bold — adjective

1. ready to face danger, pain, or a hard situation without backing away.

1.形容詞B2
釋義

ready to face danger, pain, or a hard situation without backing away.

例句

Ravi made a bold jump into the river to save the child.

bold + noun for risky action

It was bold of Leila to question the corrupt mayor in public.

it is bold of + person + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • brave

    the closest everyday word; slightly broader and more neutral

  • courageous

    more formal and often used for serious danger or moral strength

  • daring

    stresses willingness to take unusual or risky action

反義詞
  • timid

    suggests a lack of confidence or courage

  • fearful

    emphasizes feeling afraid rather than acting strongly

文法句型

it is bold of + [person] + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Often describes actions, plans, or decisions that involve real risk. Distinguish from adjective/4 TOO FORWARD, which often suggests criticism for disrespectful behaviour.

常見錯誤

Nadia was bold to speak to the class politely.
Nadia was brave to speak to the class politely.
💡this sense praises courage in a difficult moment, not simple confidence in normal speaking.

2. easy to notice because the colour, pattern, or shape is strong and clear.

2.形容詞B1
釋義

easy to notice because the colour, pattern, or shape is strong and clear.

例句

The artist chose bold orange walls for the small coffee shop.

bold + colour

A bold black line circles the island on the classroom map.

bold + line / shape

同義詞
  • striking

    emphasizes a strong visual effect

  • vivid

    especially used for bright colours

  • eye-catching

    everyday phrase for something that pulls attention

反義詞
  • subtle

    not immediately obvious or strong

  • pale

    used when colour lacks strength

用法筆記

Usually used for colours, patterns, lines, or design features that draw the eye quickly. Distinguish from adjective/3 THICK LETTERS, which is only about typography.

3. shown in a heavier, darker letter style than the words around it.

3.形容詞B1
釋義

shown in a heavier, darker letter style than the words around it.

例句

The warning at the top of the form is in bold.

phrase: in bold

Jin printed the report title in bold on the first page.

print + [text] in bold

同義詞
  • boldface

    technical typography term for the same style

  • heavy

    used in design and printing for a thicker letter weight

反義詞
  • regular

    the normal text weight in a font family

  • plain

    not shown in a special style

文法句型

in bold

用法筆記

Normally appears after verbs such as print, show, or write in the pattern 'in bold'. For the action of changing text to this style, use verb/1 MAKE BOLD.

4. so confident and direct that it seems rude or lacking respect.

4.形容詞B2
釋義

so confident and direct that it seems rude or lacking respect.

例句

The intern was bold enough to call the director lazy in public.

bold enough to + verb

Yusuf gave the judge a bold answer and upset the whole court.

bold + answer / remark

同義詞
  • cheeky

    slightly informal; can sound playful as well as rude

  • impudent

    formal and strongly critical

  • forward

    traditional word for being too confident socially

反義詞
  • respectful

    showing proper politeness

  • shy

    hesitant in social situations rather than overconfident

文法句型

bold enough to + verb

用法筆記

Often used for remarks, questions, or behaviour toward someone with more authority. Unlike adjective/1 BRAVE, this sense often sounds critical rather than admiring.

常見錯誤

Olu made a bold comment to insult his coach.
Olu made a rude comment to insult his coach.
💡this sense suggests overconfident behaviour, not simple meanness by itself.

bold — verb

bold — noun