Dares
/dɛərz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo challenge or provoke someone to do something that is difficult or dangerous.
/dɛərz/
To challenge someone to do something risky or bold.
She dares to dream of a better future.
💡 Simply: When someone *dares* you, they're challenging you to do something a little scary or bold. Like, if your friends dare you to try a super spicy pepper, that's a dare!
👶 For kids: To tell someone to do something brave or a little bit silly.
More Examples
He dares to speak his mind.
The climbers dared to scale the icy cliffs.
How It's Used
"They dared him to jump off the bridge."
"He dares you to eat the whole pizza."
To have the courage or boldness to do something.
/dɛərz/
He dares to challenge the status quo.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'dares' means being brave enough to do something, even if it's difficult or scary. Like, she *dares* to speak up in class, even when she's shy.
👶 For kids: To be brave enough to do something.
More Examples
She dares to hope for a better world.
They dared to venture into the unknown.
How It's Used
"She dares to challenge authority."
"He dares to love her, though it is forbidden."
An act or instance of challenging someone to do something that requires boldness or courage.
/dɛərz/
A challenge to do something risky or bold.
The friends played truth or dares at the party.
💡 Simply: A 'dare' is a challenge to do something, usually something fun but maybe a little bit risky, like, 'I dare you to try that really sour candy!'
👶 For kids: A game where you have to do something tricky or a little bit scary if you lose.
More Examples
He accepted the dare and jumped into the cold water.
She completed all the dares given by her friends.
How It's Used
"The group of friends were playing truth or dares."
"He took on the dare, even though it was dangerous."
Idioms & expressions
I dare say
Used to express a tentative opinion or belief.
"I dare say it will rain later."
Truth or Dare
A game where players choose to answer a question truthfully or perform a dare.
"The kids were playing truth or dare."
From Middle English *darren*, *derren*, from Old English *durran* (“to dare”), from Proto-Germanic *durzaną* (“to dare”).
The word 'dare' has been used since Old English and has consistently carried the meaning of challenging or having courage.
Memory tip
Imagine a fearless lion daring you to approach.
Word Origin
"to venture, to have the courage"