Dare
/dɛər/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have the courage or confidence to do something. To challenge someone to do something risky.
/dɛər/
To challenge or encourage someone to do something risky or bold.
She dared to climb the mountain, even though it was dangerous.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend says, "I dare you to eat that spicy pepper!" It's when you challenge someone or yourself to do something that might be a little scary or exciting.
👶 For kids: To tell someone to do something that might be a little bit scary or fun.
More Examples
He dared his friend to stay in the haunted house all night.
I dare you to tell him what you really think.
How It's Used
"I dare you to jump into the lake."
"He dared to speak out against the injustice."
A challenge to do something difficult or dangerous, usually as a way to prove courage or willingness.
/dɛər/
A challenge to do something risky or bold.
He took the dare and ran through the sprinkler.
💡 Simply: It's like a game where someone asks, "Do you dare to ride the roller coaster?" or "Do you dare to try this new food?"
👶 For kids: When someone says "I dare you!" It's like a game where you try to do something.
More Examples
She accepted the dare to eat the whole pizza.
It was just a friendly dare.
How It's Used
"It was a dare, and I had to do it."
"He accepted the dare and jumped off the cliff."
Idioms & expressions
I dare say
Used to express a tentative opinion or belief.
"I dare say it will rain later."
double dare
To make an especially challenging dare, or a dare that one person would be very unlikely to do.
"He doubled dared her to stand on the chair and sing a song."
From Old English *dær*, a verb derived from the Proto-Germanic *darsaną ('to be bold'). It has evolved to imply challenging someone or taking a risk.
In older texts, 'dare' can also be used as an archaic form meaning 'to have courage' or 'be bold enough'.
Memory tip
Think of 'dare' as taking a risk or a bold action. It's a challenge that pushes boundaries.
Word Origin
"to be bold"