intrepidly

IPA/ɪnˈtrep.ɪd.li/
KK[ɪntrˈɛpədli]IPA/ɪnˈtrep.ɪd.li/

intrepidly — adverb

1. with bold courage when facing danger, hardship, or strong opposition

1.adverbC2
Definition

with bold courage when facing danger, hardship, or strong opposition

Example

Quan intrepidly stepped onto the cracked ice to reach the child.

intrepidly + movement into immediate physical danger

The reporter intrepidly entered the flooded tunnel with only a headlamp.

formal reporting context: enter danger intrepidly

Common collocations
  • venture intrepidly into
  • cross intrepidly
  • speak intrepidly against
  • press on intrepidly
  • step intrepidly onto
Synonyms
  • bravely

    the broad everyday word and suitable for smaller acts of courage

  • fearlessly

    puts stronger focus on the absence of fear itself

  • boldly

    often fits confident or risky action even without physical danger

  • dauntlessly

    more literary and often stresses not backing down under pressure

Antonyms
  • fearfully

    showing clear fear while acting

  • timidly

    acting with hesitation and little courage

Grammar Patterns

verb + intrepidly in dangerous or high-pressure situations

Usage Note

Usually seen in formal or literary writing about explorers, reporters, rescuers, or protesters. It suggests real danger or strong resistance, so it sounds stronger and more elevated than everyday 'bravely'.

Common Mistakes

Nina intrepidly ordered the hottest curry on the menu.
Nina bravely ordered the hottest curry on the menu.
'intrepidly' is usually kept for real danger or severe pressure, not a small personal challenge.
The storm intrepidly hit the coast all night.
The rescue crews worked intrepidly on the coast all night.
'intrepidly' describes a brave response to danger, not the danger itself.

Word family

  • intrepid
    adjectiveC1
  • intrepidity
    nounC2
  • intrepidness
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All five words describe acting with courage, but they suggest different kinds of risk. 'Bravely' is the everyday choice and can describe anything from a medical test to a rescue. 'Fearlessly' stresses the absence of fear itself. 'Boldly' often points to confident, risky action, even when the danger is social or political rather than physical. 'Dauntlessly' is close to 'intrepidly' but sounds more literary and resistant, especially when someone refuses to back down. 'Intrepidly' is best for moving forward into danger, hardship, or unknown places in a determined, adventurous way. A reporter may intrepidly enter a war zone, while a witness may boldly challenge a corrupt official.

intrepidly ↗bravely ↗fearlessly ↗boldly ↗dauntlessly ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Built from the adjective 'intrepid' and the adverb suffix '-ly'. 'Intrepid' comes from Latin 'intrepidus', formed from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'trepidus' meaning alarmed or anxious. The adverb keeps that idea of not being shaken by danger, and it still sounds more elevated than plain 'bravely'.