Word: audacious

Associations

"Audacious" means showing a willingness to take bold risks or being very confident and daring. It is often used to describe someone or something that takes a brave step that others might not dare to take.

• Example 1: "His audacious plan to start a new business in the pandemic surprised everyone." (He took a big risk with this plan.)
• Example 2: "The artist created an audacious mural that challenged traditional ideas." (The artwork was bold and daring.)
• Example 3: "She made an audacious move by asking for a raise on her first day." (She acted very confidently by asking for something big right away.)

A well-known synonym for "audacious" is "bold." However, "bold" can also mean just being strong or vivid, whereas "audacious" emphasizes a daring or risky aspect.

Substitution

Other words you could use instead of "audacious" are "brave," "daring," and "reckless." Each has a different feel:

• "Brave" focuses more on courage without necessarily implying risk.
• "Daring" suggests a willingness to take risks but not always to the extreme level of "audacious."
• "Reckless" often has a negative connotation, suggesting irresponsibility in taking risks.

Deconstruction

The word "audacious" comes from the Latin root "audax," which means "bold" or "daring." The suffix "-ious" turns the adjective into a quality. Historically, it has been used to describe someone who is not afraid to challenge expectations.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you did something audacious? What was it and how did it feel?
• How might being audacious be viewed differently in various cultures?
• In what situations do you think being audacious is a good thing, and when might it be better to be cautious?