Emboldened
/ɪmˈboʊldənd/
adjectiveverbB2past participle
Definition
Emboldened means to give someone more confidence or courage to do something. When a person feels emboldened, they are less afraid and more willing to take risks or speak up. This often happens after positive experiences or support from others.
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⚡ See It in Action
Feeling stronger and more confident because of encouragement or success
- •She felt emboldened by the applause and spoke louder.
- •The team's win emboldened them to try harder in the next game.
- •After the teacher praised him, he was emboldened to ask more questions.
Made brave enough to take action or speak out
- •The protestors were emboldened by the growing support.
- •He was emboldened to tell the truth after seeing others do the same.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "emboldened" like "brave," but it means becoming brave because something helped you feel stronger or safer
- ✓Picture a small bird suddenly flying for the first time after watching others do it safely
- ✓It's the feeling when you try something new because a friend told you "You can do it!"
- ✓Sounds like "em-BOLD-end" → imagine the word "bold" (brave) growing bigger inside you, making you stronger
- ✓Remember stories where a shy character becomes brave after encouragement, like a hero gaining power before a big challenge
- ✓NOT like "bold" (born brave), emboldened means you were made brave by something outside or inside
- ✓NOT like "fearless" (no fear at all), emboldened means you have courage despite some fear
- ✓NOT like "confident" (general belief in yourself), emboldened often comes after a specific event or support
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Encouraged: given confidence or support (Use when the feeling is softer and more general)
- •Strengthened: made stronger, especially emotionally (Use when focus is on inner power rather than courage)
- •Inspired: motivated to do something creative or good (Use when motivation comes from admiration or ideas)
- •Empowered: given power or control (Use when someone is given authority or ability to act)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix "em-" means "to cause to" or "to put into"
- •Root "bold" means brave or confident
- •Suffix "-en" means "to make" or "to become"
- •From Latin and Old English roots meaning to make someone bold or brave
- •First used in English in the 1600s to describe giving courage or confidence
- •Today, used to show someone was made brave or confident by something external or internal
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of situations make you feel emboldened to try something new or difficult?
•Can being emboldened ever lead to taking risks that are too big? How would you decide?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She felt emboldened ___ the support from her friends to speak up in class.
2.The success of their project emboldened the team ___ take on a bigger challenge.
3.Unlike being naturally brave, emboldened means someone or something ___ your courage.
4.After the first victory, the players were emboldened and played with ___ energy.
5.Being emboldened often happens when fear is still there, but you ___ it to act anyway.
6.When people feel emboldened, they are more likely to ___ their opinions openly.
7.The leader’s words emboldened the group ___ stand together against unfair rules.