Bold

/boʊld/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonCharacter
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Showing courage, determination, and confidence.

/boʊld/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
Character

Showing courage

He made a bold move in the game.

💡 Simply: Brave and daring.

More Examples

2

Her bold statement surprised everyone.

How It's Used

General

"She made a bold decision to leave her job."

Military

"The soldier showed a bold front in the face of danger."

2

Strong and clear in color or form; easily seen.

/boʊld/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Appearance

Strong and clear in color or form

The headlines were in bold type.

💡 Simply: Bright and noticeable.

More Examples

2

He wore a bold red shirt.

How It's Used

Art

"The painting used bold colors to create a striking effect."

Fashion

"She wore a bold print dress."

Tip:Think of a bold color that stands out.

Idioms & expressions

Be bold

To be courageous or daring.

"Be bold and ask for a raise."

From Old English *bald, meaning 'bare, fearless'. The modern meaning evolved from the original sense of being 'barefaced' or 'unashamed' to its current connotations of courage and strong color.

In the past, 'bold' was often used to describe someone shameless or impudent, a connotation that is now less common.

Memory tip

Think of a brave knight being bold in battle.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"bare, fearless"

Base: bold
bold colorsbold decisionbold printbe bold

Common misspellings

bouldbolde

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written